College conducts inquiry (From Stroud News and Journal)

College conducts inquiry

MYSTERY still surrounds the suspension of Stroud College principal Hugh Pollock.

Mr Pollock has been absent on sick leave since November 28 of last year. Earlier this month he was suspended on full pay but this week it emerged that sickness might not be the reason for his suspension.

A union document has suggested that the quality of Mr Pollock's leadership is in question.

Peter Haines, marketing and external relations manager for the college, claimed he was still in the dark about the suspension. "I have absolutely no idea at all why he has been suspended," he said. "None of us know, we haven't been advised."

A joint statement issued this week by the college managers' union ACM (of which Mr Haines is chairman) and support staff union UNISON said: "We regret that it has been seen necessary to suspend our principal and chief executive.

"Mr Pollock has devoted considerable time and effort to our college.

"It is to be regretted that his efforts have failed to address some of the fundamental issues which face us now and in the future.

"We fully support the governors of Stroud College and believe that radical and decisive action is necessary in order to ensure the college's success and growth and enable it to survive and thrive."

An earlier draft of the statement, leaked to the News & Journal by a union member unhappy with the treatment of Mr Pollock, said: "We believe it unlikely the college could have moved on without a change in chief executive."

Mr Haines said the earlier statement had been withdrawn after consultation with union members because it did not reflect their views.

He refused to elaborate on which fundamental issues the unions believe had not been addressed, saying it was an internal matter and it would be wrong to comment further on them at this time. He confirmed that the college was now formally looking into the matter.