Maintaining confidence
John was in charge of a holiday home in the North West run by a charity. It provided breaks for disabled children. He and other colleagues were worried that the Chief Executive had given a large building contract to a local firm, which now appeared to be doing extensive works on the Chief Executive's home. The staff felt sure this private work was being paid for under the charity contract.
John and the other staff were told that someone had sent an anonymous letter to the trustees alerting them to these suspicions. The trustees, who were local worthies, refused to look into the matter because the report was anonymous. This led some staff to think that the trustees were complacent, and that anyone who did speak up could be dismissed.
We advised John to write to the trustees explaining why the staff suspected misconduct, indicating that while they might be mistaken, their morale would suffer unless the matter was investigated.
John followed our advice and checked his draft letter with us. The trustees assured John that he would suffer no adverse consequences and that they would look into the matter. They then conducted an inquiry with the co-operation of the Charity Commission into the building contracts. As a result action has been taken against the Chief Executive. The trustees have been true to their word and have been very supportive toward John, who has suffered no adverse consequences at all.
This case study has been agreed with our client - the only changes are to protect the identities of those involved.