News

No-go on senior officer’s payoff as councillors wait for Audit Wales report

Published

4 years ago

November 16, 2021

ON MONDAY (November 8), Pembrokeshire County Council voted to defer any movement towards a settlement agreement with its Head of Legal and Democratic Services, Claire Incledon, until after councillors received an Audit Wales report.
Ms Incledon’s identity as the officer seeking a settlement was inadvertently disclosed by simple jigsaw identification during the public part of the meeting. A fact Cllr Brian Hall tartly noted without naming the Head of Legal.The report, into the payment of £95,000 to former CEO Ian Westley, is taking time to arrive at County Hall, even though portions of it dealing with individual officers were circulated to those named in it during the summer.
The payment made to Mr Westley was unlawful. The Audit Wales report will examine the advice given by officers relating to it.

WANTED: £100K+

Ms Incledon wants a payment in excess of £110,000 from the Council to resolve issues around her wish to leave the Council’s employment.
Settlement agreements are usually used to resolve disputes between employers and employees to avoid the risks of litigation.
Their terms are always confidential and governed by employment law.
They are not unusual or peculiar documents and tend, with a few wrinkles here and there, to be used routinely in medium-to-large organisations in both the public and private sector.
Ms Incledon has not begun a formal grievance procedure relating to her Council role, and no disciplinary proceedings against her are underway or even planned.
It is, therefore, unclear why a settlement agreement would be thought necessary at this stage.
One clue as to what might be in the Audit Wales report is now apparent, though. It must contain criticism of Ms Incledon that she rejects either in whole or part.
In a formal statement, a Council spokesperson said: “At an Extraordinary Meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, Council considered the issue of a Settlement Agreement concerning an employee.
“Members decided more information was required before concluding the matter.”
That bare statement is not the whole story.

OFFICER MEMBER RELATIONSHIPS

On the one hand, Cllr Jamie Adams has seized on a single sentence in an external peer-review.

“A set of relationship issues are evident at the Cabinet and Corporate Management Team level that are impacting negatively.”

Cllr Adams is keen on that sentence, freely suggesting that senior officers were somehow victims.
He has not, however, bothered much with the observation following it:

“Tensions between political and professional leaders are common across all organisations from time-to-time and are inevitable given the challenges and pressures faced by public services in the current environment.”

Or this nugget:

“Whenever behaviours and standards are demonstrated as being an issue, responsibility is incumbent upon the Chief Executive, Monitoring Officer, Leader of the Council and political group Leaders to take the necessary action and to support each other fully in doing so.”

Cllr Adams publicly voiced no concerns regarding behaviours and standards before the Corporate Peer Review’s publication.
It’s fair to infer– as the leader of a political group – he had none.
Even in circumstances where he would realistically be expected to be aware of any concerns– whether expressed formally or otherwise – as a former Council Leader, Cllr Adams said nothing to raise awareness of any issues.
And in March this year, any preconceptions about officers’ closeness to the papal levels of infallibility were torpedoed by an external consultant, who worked on the report upon which Jamie Adams has hung his hat.
An LGA expert on Council’s performance told members of the Council’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee he had never met more senior officer resistance to an external review of a local authority.
Chris Bowron said officers’ resistance was overcome only through strong personal leadership by individuals committed to the idea such a review must happen.
Pembrokeshire County Council, the Committee heard, was ‘not a normal council.’
The era of top-down management had long passed elsewhere, and it was time for the Council to catch up and then get ahead of the field.
As a corporate body, Pembrokeshire County Council’s old working methods were unsustainable.
Those old working methods would have been familiar to at least one member of the Committee: Cllr Jamie Adams.
The same meeting decided to defer any investigation of the Corporate Peer Review until after the Audit Wales report landed.
That is another matter that appears to have slipped the memory of some councillors in their eagerness to grab an electioneering pound of flesh.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

While rumours of wars rattle around the County Hall echo chamber, the issues the Council had to decide on Monday were straightforward: whether to discuss a current member of staff’s employment in public or in private.
And after members reached that decision, what to do about the proposed settlement agreement.
It turned out that having had a leading local government QC advise them against discussing matters covered by the bonds of confidentiality that bind employer and employee at their last meeting made no impact on a few councillors.
This time, likewise, the expert advice of a partner in the employment team of leading solicitors Eversheds had little impact.
This was public money, and the public had the right to know, claimed Cllr Reg Owens.
Huw Rowland Jones of Eversheds patiently – and repeatedly – told members that employment law dealt with settlement agreements based on utmost confidentiality.
He added he had never – in an extensive career – come across a local authority breaking the provisions of employment law to discuss one’s proposed terms in public.
Nevertheless, Pembrokeshire County Council has always been exceptional, and the law wasn’t going to put off a handful of councillors from chasing their dragon to the bitter end.
While very few of that handful are doubtlessly motivated by a genuine concern about open governance, Cllr Jonathan Preston – who again introduced a note of reality into proceedings – said some were posing for the electorate.
Cllr Preston expressed exasperation that the Council was even discussing proceeding in public. The legal advice, he said, was clear, and the law was clear. The meeting had to go into a closed session.
Jonathan Preston got support from Cllr David Lloyd. The latter also expressed disbelief that any councillors thought it was responsible to proceed in public.
Presiding Officer Cllr Simon Hancock moved the matter to a vote.
Councillors voted 42-10 with no abstentions to discuss the proposed settlement agreement in private.
The outcome of that debate was as The Herald said it would be on Friday, November 5.
No decision before the Audit Wales report.

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

14 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

News

Welsh-language school praised for ‘happy, proud and friendly community’

Published

14 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Estyn highlights strong leadership, positive attitudes and a clear curriculum vision at Ysgol Bro Preseli

A WELSH-medium all-age school in Crymych has been praised by inspectors for fostering a “happy, proud and friendly community,” according to a recent Estyn report.

Inspectors said pupils at Ysgol Bro Preseli show pride in their local area, thrive both academically and socially, and are well prepared for the next stages of their learning.

The school currently has 932 pupils on roll, including 118 in the sixth form, and has operated as an all-age school since 2022.

Estyn found that most pupils demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to learning, treat staff with respect, and listen carefully to the contributions of their peers.

The report also notes that, in almost all cases, teachers show strong subject knowledge. Inspectors highlighted the close and supportive relationships staff build with pupils, alongside the creation of a safe learning environment where pupils are not afraid to make mistakes.

It states: “As a result of a clear strategic direction and detailed planning, teachers provide beneficial practical activities that allow pupils to develop purposeful oracy, reading and writing skills in language sessions and across the other areas of learning and experience.”

Inspectors also praised the school’s clear curriculum vision, rooted in its motto Gwreiddiau a Gorwelion (Roots and Horizons).

“Leaders and teachers provide a coherent curriculum and learning experiences that bridge the primary and secondary sectors effectively,” the report said. “Staff plan stimulating activities and experiences for pupils to learn and deepen their understanding within the areas of learning and experience. This contributes positively to the sense of belonging that permeates the whole curriculum of Ysgol Bro Preseli.”

Headteacher Rhonwen Morris said the report was a reflection of the collective effort across the school community.

“As a successful all-age Welsh-medium school, we are delighted that the report recognises our commitment to excellence and the unique identity that makes Ysgol Bro Preseli so special,” she said.

“Since becoming an all-age school in 2022, our cohesive leadership team and governing body have focused on building a strong foundation based on our values of Welsh ethos, kindness, community and responsibility.

“The report highlights the excellent strategic work of staff at all levels, which is a testament to the shared dedication and vision that drives our school forward.

“It is gratifying that the report reflects what we continuously aim to achieve day in and day out. This achievement belongs to our entire community — staff, pupils, parents and governors — and together we will continue to build on this success and provide the very best education for every pupil.”

Charity

Welsh opticians raise £1,600 for people experiencing homelessness

Published

14 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.

Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.

Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.

Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.

This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.

Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.

‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.

‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’

Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.

‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.

‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’

Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.

To find out more about Specsavers or to book an appointment at your local store, visit: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores.