Overview
The complainant (Mr C) raised concerns regarding Angus Council (the Council)'s handling of a complaint which he raised with them regarding their selection process for a vacant post within the Council. He believed that it was inappropriate for the Chief Executive to have handled the complaint, given his involvement in the said selection process.
Specific complaint and conclusion
The complaint which has been investigated is that the Chief Executive should not have investigated Mr C's complaint to the Council due to his involvement with the selection process, which was the subject of the said complaint (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Council:
- (i) remind their staff to act with caution where any conflict of interest could be reasonably perceived to exist; and
- (ii) introduce a procedure for complaints against the Chief Executive. This could also be utilised where the Chief Executive is unable to investigate a complaint due to a conflict of interest, thus ensuring complainants have the right to an investigation by a party not previously involved in the process.
The Council have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly