Strife-torn Leeds Metropolitan University has admitted that vice-chancellor Simon Lee quit in the face of allegations about his treatment of staff. Professor Lee was given the choice of resigning or facing a formal inquiry into the allegations.Mr Watt did not use the word "bullying" but it has been reported that the complainants alleged he had reduced senior colleagues to tears and accused them of disloyalty.
Mr Watt made it clear that only two courses of action were open to Prof Lee: face a formal inquiry or resign. He went on January 14.
In a statement released today, the university says: "The Chair specified the nature of the behaviours alleged, but did not provide the details of individual complaints.
"Prof Lee was advised that two courses of action were open to him: first, that the allegations be formally investigated, during which time Professor Lee would be suspended, or second, that he resign from the University, leaving at the end of the current academic year."
The vice-chancellor denied the allegations but, says the statement, "it was agreed that he would have a period of time to decide which option he would prefer to pursue. At the end of that period he chose to resign."
Leeds Met's chancellor, former Olympic athlete Brendan Foster, resigned last month after his efforts to mediate between Professor Lee and Mr Watt proved fruitless.
In November, after receiving advice from University lawyers and several governors, the Chair of Governors informed Professor Lee that serious complaints regarding his treatment of staff had been made by a number of staff in the university in such a way that these could not be ignored. At no time has the Chair used the word "bullying".
The Chair specified the nature of the behaviours alleged, but did not provide the details of individual complaints. Professor Lee was advised that two courses of action were open to him: first, that the allegations be formally investigated, during which time Professor Lee would be suspended, or second, that he resign from the University, leaving at the end of the current academic year. Professor Lee denied the alleged behaviours.
It was agreed that he would have a period of time to decide which option he would prefer to pursue. At the end of that period he chose to resign.
Discussions took place between the respective legal advisors to negotiate a compromise agreement. This was concluded on 23rd December with an agreement that Professor Lee would announce his resignation in the week commencing 12th January.
Professor Lee has not received details of the individual complaints. The University is not taking formal action on the complaints. The University has not taken disciplinary action against Professor Lee.
From: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk
And: New chief vows no bullying under his regime
4 comments:
So... one down... how many more to go..
Speak out against work place bullying
TODAY
...you know it makes sense.
Aphra Behn
I do not know the particular case, but it makes little sense not to make an investigation...
1) The victims should receive compensation
2)Investigations should be made in order to check wether he had accomplices.
3) It should be investigated how the environment allowed him to do that.
4) It would be a test for the anti-bullying policy.
Aphra Behn in conversation with Simon Lee 'departing vice-chancellor of Leeds Met'
So Simon THE have given you a voice ... I see you agreed to be interviewed by Melanie.. (p. 9)...
... interesting to read that during your time at Leeds Met you attended meetings where the atmosphere became 'unfortunate' ... you were lucky Simon to have minutes from meetings... even if they were (allegedly) amended...in my university there is a refusal to minute some meetings...
...no paper trail to be left you see... they're a Russell group uni... so they understand these things...
... I'm wondering what you think there is to learn from these traditional universities..
...you might be interested to know that mine is ace at bullying... (in my view of course)...
...but they would disagree and my words might create an 'unfortunate' atmosphere....
...although you know Simon ... we tend not to have 'unfortunate atmospheres' at Russell group unis - senior managers there are all too good at playing the game...
... well there was one meeting that I attended recently where there was an unfortunate atmosphere created... not by me I hasten to add...
...most unfortunate as I added it to my paper trail...
....lucky you Simon getting £20,000 after an appraisal ... not as good as the bankers... but still not bad... (was it wise to reveal that to Melanie I wonder?)
... I understand that Geoff Hitchins - the new acting chief executive - is not going to allow any bullying on his watch...
...what a spoilsport eh?
...bad luck about the ambassadorial duties Simon...
Say NO NO NO
...to workplace bullying....
You know it makes sense.
Save a life next week.
In solidarity
Aphra Behn
...
Simon Lee's removal was a result of many people working together and the effort has been tremendos. What a pity that so much energy has been for such an unworthy individual. Think if this energy could have been harnessed for the benefit of the university how much good could have been done. The press and sites such as this have been instumental in Lee's removal. Bullies do not like the glare of publicity and cannot survive honest scrutiny. I hope that those who still suffer at the hands of bullies can draw strength from this small victory. Leeds Met still requires a root and branch review of its management, but for the first time in a long time it has hope.
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