25 November (Part 3) - Just a family affair
After
it was revealed that Bexley’s Director of Environment, Peter Ellershaw, and his
Deputy Director Antonia Ainge were
married
to each other, a few questions were asked. I have difficulty understanding why
the situation is allowed, no reputable company would tolerate it, and how does it
affect the usual work related things like annual leave - do they go on holiday
separately to ensure there is always someone there to keep things ticking over -
and appraisals and career path and proper scrutiny of decisions? However it seems
that all is well because Chief Executive Will Tuckley approves. He has “arrangements”
in place to “ensure objectivity in key matters enabling appropriate supervision and control”.
When asked what qualifications Mrs. Ellershaw had to justify her appointment
Bexley council declined to say except that councillors were “wholly satisfied she
met the requirements of the post”. Why the secrecy? Are we not allowed to know
if the Deputy Director of Leisure, Arts and Tourism has any professionally
recognised expertise in those areas?
If Bexley council and its top brass wishes to avoid accusation of nest feathering
and nepotism they will have to do a bit better than hide under the duvet.