Probe slams Torbay for ignoring whistle-blower

18 October 2006

Council officers at Torbay took ‘no meaningful steps’ to respond to an internal audit that represented ‘the most damning indictment of a procurement process ever seen’, by an independent investigation.
The probe, ordered by Torbay’s chief executive, into events surrounding the dismissal of employee Matthew Harper for whistle-blowing, has criticised the corporate response to weaknesses in its procurement processes, highlighted by the employee and identified by an internal audit.
Torbay may have cleaned up its procurement procedures but an independent report ‘seriously doubts if it would have, had Harper not blown the whistle’.
While the investigation finds no evidence of malice by officers or of a ‘cover-up’, it concludes that Harper’s 2003 allegations – that one company bidding for a contract to provide refuse vehicles was given preferential treatment – were not effectively dealt with. But it accepts that Jack Haley, the fleet service manager, had not been provided with adequate training, and understaffing meant his boss Mike Yeo could devote little time to management of the depot.
Nonetheless, the authority is urged to improve its procedures so that it effectively responds to complaints from whistle-blowers, and ensures that internal audit recommendations are implemented in a timely manner.
The investigation was ordered after an employment tribunal in August backed Harper’s claim that he had been unfairly dismissed, and the reason for his dismissal was that he had made public interest ‘protected disclosures’.
Carried out by independent consultant David Bowles & Associates, it recommends that officers who do not make claims anonymously are protected, and an effective, clearly-communicated response to any allegations.
Harper became convinced there was a cover-up. The failure by officers to respond to the audit’s damning findings – that European regulations were being broken by letting contracts based on lowest price and discussing tender prices after a company had been chosen – after they had existed in draft for six months is also criticised.

Register now for full access

Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.

Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors. Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.

Already a registered? Login

Sign In

Probe slams Torbay for ignoring whistle-blower

order biaxin tablets

buying biaxin

ordering clarithromycin

Register now for full access

Login