News

Are the officers revolting?

Published

9 years ago

March 17, 2015

Cllr Jamie Adams

COUNCIL LEADER Jamie Adams called an urgent meeting for 4pm Thursday February 26, to discuss a major legal issue arising from the recruitment process for the new Chief Executive.

It appears as though the consequence of overpaying Bryn Parry-Jones for many years has come back to bite the council, as heads of service, directors have lately become aware of the possibility that they have been UNDERPAID and have potential legal claims against the council for setting their pay at too low a level.

An email sent to group leaders and members of the Senior Staff Committee from Cllr Adams headed ‘Urgent Meeting at 4.00 p.m. on Thursday, 26th February 2015 in Leader’s Room’ reads: ‘Following discussions between myself and the Section 151 Officer (i.e. Jonathan Haswell, Head of Finance) I need to discuss with you the issue of the relationship between Chief Executive (sic) remuneration and that of the Chief Officers. I trust that you will make every effort to attend this meeting. If however you are unable to attend I would be happy to contact you by telephone later on Thursday evening. Please provide me with your contact details if you are unable to attend’.

The Herald is able to confirm that, despite clear advice given by two senior officers on two separate occasions, an issue is alleged to have arisen in relation to the pay differentials between the council’s chief and other senior directors.

At a council meeting in December, the issue of pay ratios was raised by Hakin councillor Mike Stoddart. At that meeting Cllr Stoddart referred to a pay rule adopted by the council which meant that no Director’s pay could not encroach within 77.5% of the Chief Executive’s pay.

Ceri Davies, Head of HR, told councillors on that occasion: “I can advise that, having looked into the matter East Williamston’s Jacob Williams then asked for confirmation of when the provision, which he had established was passed in 1995, was repealed.

Mr Davies replied: “I don’t have the exact date for members this afternoon, but I believe it was in 2004-2005, but I would need to look into that.”

On begin asked by Cllr Tom Richards to confirm whether or not the position was as he stated, Mr Davies ducked the direct question by saying: “That’s my understanding.”

At the meeting of the Senior Staff Committee which set the £130,000 salary for a new appointee on Tuesday February 3, councillors were again advised – this time by Mr Mark Woolgar, the Corporate HR Manager, gave similar advice to council. This time advising that, although not rescinded as previously advised, the policy was ineffective as the issue of encroachment had not arisen for many years.

However, it now appears that the advice given by officers to councillors was flawed, as the restriction meant that the top end of directors’ pay should have been within 77.5% of the chief officer’s pay. In other words, if the chief officer’s pay was £200,000 per annum, the top end of directors’ pay would be £154,000 instead of the c. £115,000 per year as at the moment.

On February 5’s Senior Staff Committee meeting, it was confirmed that senior officers’ pay was set at around 66% of Bryn Parry-Jones’ eye-watering pay packet.

The council potentially faces substantial claims for the senior staff cadre who will argue that their pay has not been set according to the Council’s own policy. As a result, it is alleged that the council has potentially operated in breach of its own policies and procedures for an extended period of time.

As the salaries involved are large, the sums involved are, likewise, considerable.

A council spokesperson told The Herald: “The report on the Chief Executive’s salary was due to be considered at next week’s Full Council meeting. However, this will no longer be the case due to a significant financial risk having been identified, following a matter raised by a County Councillor. The spokesperson explained: “The Chief Finance Officer, in his role as Section 151 Officer, has determined that the matter must be re-considered. A new report on the issue will be drafted for consideration by Council in the future.”

Crime

Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.

27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).

On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.

When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.

Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.

Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).

While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.

After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.

The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.

“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory.

“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.

“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.

“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”

On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.

If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

In an emergency, always call 999.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”

In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed.
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly.
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”

Business

Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.

“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”

Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”

“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”