A range of investigations and reviews can be carried out with absolute confidentiality

Local government law, especially that relating to decision taking and the role of members is highly complex. We have direct hands on experience of dealing with a whole range of matters from officer misconduct, member involvement in planning applications through to criminal conduct.  David Bowles was personally involved in one of the highest profile 'whistleblowing' case in local government which led to the imprisonment of a Council Leader.

We have carried out a number of special investigations.

 

Case studies

 

The competency of a Monitoring Officer. This review led to the Monitoring Officer being suspended, a thorough review of a number of issues by the external auditor, and ultimately the Monitoring Officer leaving the Council;

 

The award of a Contract.  In spite of serious concerns being expressed in this case there were no indications of fraud but there was malpractice, breach of the Councils own rules and procedures and the Council had left itself open to action by the unsuccessful tenderers.

 

Allegations of abuse of power by two Directors. The review conducted, which was very wide ranging, identified clear examples of gross misconduct and ended in the dismissal of both Directors.

We have experience, in the most serious cases of working with other experts such as forensic auditors.

 

Illegal pension scheme. A review identified that a  pension scheme was illegal in its application.  We were retained by the Council to investigate the circumstances of its implementation and the role of individual officers.

 

Sacking of a whistleblower. The Council had lost an Employment Tribunal at a cost of circa £300k. We were asked to review the circumstances and identified a wide range of issues such as inadequacies in the grievance system and a failure tohave clear lines of accountability.


David Bowles, a former Chief Executive and qualified CIPFA accountant, has an excellent understanding of the governance arrangements which should be in place within any organisation but particularly the public sector.