The under-fire principal of Adam Smith College in Fife has dismissed allegations against senior staff as ”ridiculous”.
Dr Craig Thomson will hold crisis talks with staff at campuses across the region in response to allegations of bullying and intimidation made on a website set up by a group called Interested Parties Of Adam Smith College. He insisted that the college robustly rejected the allegations.
However, an e-petition linked to the website has collected over 300 signatures in support of staff ”in their fight against a culture of bullying and harassment”, calling on the Scottish Government to suspend Dr Thomson and the vice-principal, and launch an investigation into governance at Adam Smith.
There have been claims two senior members of staff should have faced disciplinary procedures but this was swept under the carpet by the college.
Through Adam Smith’s PR firm Halogen, the college maintained it had strict procedures to deal with inappropriate behaviour and allegations about staff.
Dr Thomson said: ”The allegations made are unfounded and quite ridiculous. However, in the spirit of open engagement, I feel it’s necessary to meet face-to-face with all staff members to discuss any concerns they may have.”
The principal will meet non-management staff at all campuses St Brycedale and Priory in Kirkcaldy, Stenton in Glenrothes and Leven today and tomorrow. He will meet management staff on Monday.
Kirkcaldy MSP David Torrance echoed the call for a government inquiry. He also highlighted an Investors in People report published last year, which indicated dissatisfaction with management.
He said: ”If there is such feeling among staff, how can the principal take so long to realise that there have been problems at the college?”
Interested Parties Of Adam Smith College posted more allegations on Tuesday, saying: ”Principals across Scotland are operating in a public environment with public funds but with no accountability.”Mr Torrance raised the issue at Thursday’s session of First Minister’s Questions at Holyrood. See Friday’s Courier for full coverage