'Quite shocking' — call for council to face Linda Ross case investigation
The city's longest-serving councillor has demanded a full investigation into Dundee City Council's treatment of former deputy head teacher Linda Ross.
The damning findings of the tribunal report were revealed in Saturday's Courier.
- By Alan Wilson
- Published in the Courier : 12.09.11
- Published online : 12.09.11 @ 11.59am
Ian Borthwick, who has served the city as an elected member for 50 years, says he found the employment tribunal report which upheld the former deputy head teacher's claim for unfair dismissal "quite shocking".
The damning contents of the report were exclusively revealed in Saturday's Courier.
Mr Borthwick, who was part of a three-man inquiry team investigating allegations made by Mrs Ross of problems with discipline and security at Sidlaw View Primary School in 2007, said the council had fallen "far short" of the standards expected of it.
He added he found it "unacceptable" the authority's HR manager ignored advice from the council's own legal department and said the behaviour of certain individuals had "cast a bad reflection on the city".
He also demanded that employees should be confident the "utmost fairness" would be shown to them during any disciplinary matters.
The tribunal judgment — seen by The Courier on Friday ahead of it being made available to the public on Monday — severely criticises the city council, former education director Anne Wilson, HR manager Janet Robertson and primary education manager Ian Rae.
Lord Provost John Letford is also highlighted by the three-man tribunal panel as having been accused by Mrs Ross of behaving as if he was "on a jolly" while chairing her appeal hearing.
The tribunal rules the council failed to comply with its own procedures and "failed to comply with the basic requirements of natural justice" in its treatment of Mrs Ross, who was suspended from her position as deputy head teacher at Longhaugh Primary School following allegations she assaulted a pupil.
The judgment also describes Anne Wilson as not a "reliable witness" and states the HR department had ignored "correct legal advice".
The tribunal ruled Mrs Ross had been unfairly dismissed by the city council and raised any compensatory award to her by 25% to reflect the council's failure to comply with its own procedures.
Mr Borthwick says there needs to be a full investigation.
He said: "I think the report and its conclusions are quite shocking and there should be a full inquiry. We as a council were weighed in the balance and found to be wanting.
"According to the report we fell far short of the standards that should be expected. We are entitled to a full explanation of how this situation arose and what steps are being taken to make sure it won't happen again.
"There are well established procedures and these must be adhered to in the future. At all times absolute fairness must be applied in any future proceedings and disciplinary matters involving staff."
03.59pm - 12.09.2011 Jennifer Allan - Monifieth, SCotland Report This
I find it absolutely shocking for the General Teaching Council to convene a disciplinary hearing in advance of the findings of the Tribunal. Mrs Ross was found guilty of being involved in a website which sold, wait for it, a 'naughty schoolgirl outfit'!! The Tribunal said this was frankly ludicrous.
04.44pm - 12.09.2011 Mike Barile - Dundee, Scotland Report This
I support Mr. Borthwick's call for an investigation as it will clearly show that ultimately the only person responsible for the unjust decision to ignore procedures/legal advice was former Chief Exec - Alex Stephen. He not only allowed Anne Wilson to abuse her power but positively encouraged her!
06.33pm - 12.09.2011 Vic Morin - London, UK Report This
They really persecuted this lassie, I hope those responsible are taken to task, at a minimum lose their jobs. A good, fair, and much needed result from the tribunal. I hope Mrs Ross can now put this horrible episode behind her and have a nice future.
09.46pm - 12.09.2011 J Smith - Dundee, Scotland Report This
An investigation into how the Education HR section operates is justified. Education staff and the public need reassurance that there are 'professionals' behind such a large department. Staff face enough challenges as it is without being fearful of a small minority with great power.
07.17am - 13.09.2011 Ballumbie Ryan - Dundee, UK Report This
The then Director of Education was described as "not a reliable witness" however, she is gone now and, no doubt, having a great time living off her tax payer funded pension - what a disgrace.
09.04am - 13.09.2011 James Justice - Dundee, Scotland Report This
John Letford should do the decent thing and resign before the official end of his reign as Lord Provost. Failing that, he should be removed from the position.
08.12am - 14.09.2011 James Graham - Dundee, UK Report This
What an absolute disgrace to Dundee. All our hard earned taxes to fund this circus..especially at a period of economic difficulty...and the poor children's education suffers whilst they get away with their pensions..The whole lot should resign..beginning with John Letford
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