Conduct investigation launched - The Malvern Observer

Conduct investigation launched

Malvern Editorial 27th Mar, 2015 Updated: 20th Oct, 2016   0

AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into the ‘serious misconduct of senior officers’ at Malvern Hills District Council.

Coun Martin Lawrence revealed the launch of the probe during the full council meeting on Thursday (March 19).

Coun Lawrence claimed, in February 2014, officers changed the authority’s complaints policy without the decision of the council. And, parts of the pre-existing complaints policy had been edited on the website and other words had been inserted.

Coun Lawrence alleged the officers had interfered with the policy preventing complaints being dealt with in accordance with previously laid down rules. And, he said, this meant a officer could change the policy unilaterally without reference to elected members.




Coun Lawrence said the standard committee’s primary role was to promote the highest standards of conduct and behaviour among members and officers and ensure lawfulness and fairness in decision making – which the council expected from all its employees.

He added he had called for the council to launch a formal preliminary investigation which would see any documents relating to the conduct of an officer inspected, members of staff questioned and a production of a report in accordance with the 2001 Regulations.


Coun Lawrence said: “I ask elected members to call upon the overview and scrutiny committee to examine this matter and accordingly make recommendations to council. I have submitted a Freedom of Information request asking for a list of designated independent persons.”

Jack Hegarty, the council’s chief executive, said: “We take complaints very seriously.

“The council found absolutely no substance to Mr Lawrence’s latest complaint and I am more than satisfied with the conduct of my senior officers and that all the correct procedures have been followed.”

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