“Here’s an interesting piece on the suspension and dismissal of non executive directors in the NHS
Clearly, there is a need to protect the position of non-executives, recognising that the independence and scrutiny they provide may at times make them unpopular, particularly with their executive directors. A balance is required. On the one hand, non-executive directors need to express views and provide input without fear of removal from office. On the other hand, trust boards need to operate effectively. Sometimes relationships at board level prevent effective operation. Where this is an issue, it will invariably be desirable for the will of the majority to prevail”.

TotalitariaNIA has an interesting piece on this theme entitled Beyond Satire

Sometime later, he -on the basis that the buck stops with him as Chief Executive- oversaw a process whereby contractors were suspended without any offence having been investigated or proven. Indeed, no offence has ever been proven (or properly investigated).

There you are; just find a few scapegoats. Is that the current level of Government competence/governance in Northern Ireland.

Perhaps those words of Declan Gormley need to be published here in full:

But Mr Gormley, 52, has denied he did anything wrong.
“I do not agree with the decision and believe it was unmerited and without due cause,” he said.
“I utterly refute any wrong doing on my behalf in discharging my duties as a non-executive director at Northern Ireland Water during my 20 months on the board.
“At all times I have acted in accordance with my responsibilities as a company director, and reiterate that I have done nothing during my period on the board which would merit any sanction never mind dismissal.” [source BBC]

Peter???

Why does this all feel so uncomfortably and personally familiar?

Why also does it look increasingly like the current CEO was brought in to do a hatchet job?

“Perhaps the Fianna Fáil/Green government could learn a thing or two from the actions of Conor Murphy. However, I seriously doubt that anyone in this government is capable or willing to take such decisive action.”

Was that “strong support and encouragement” not there previously?

There should had to have been an awareness within DRD that procedures were not being followed if they were following the own er procedures.

Of course, given that NIW are a separate body from DRD it is much easier for the axe to be swung.

Not that I would be suggest a cover up or anything.

Pete, I can find no mention of the DFP’s Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) [pdf file] in the internal review report yet CPD is the lead player in procurement:

In Northern Ireland 96% of procurement spend is now subject to the professional influence of Centres of Procurement Expertise (CoPEs). .. There are a number of centres with specialist procurement expertise across the public sector, including the Roads Service, NI Water, Translink, ..

The Central Procurement Directorate also provides expertise, advice and a co-ordinating role and, where appropriate, directly procures strategic requirements.

Considering the mess that exists across the procurement sector perhaps the wrong people have been sacked.

Where will it all end? Is there a problem in the relationship between DRD and the DFP’s CPD, the department that oversees public procurement? Why has the Northern Ireland Audit Office been taking a back seat role in these local difficulties?

Will the Minister be appearing at Monday’s meeting or will he be away off on a St Patrick’s junket instead? Will the Committee for Regional Development hold the DRD to account or will it sit back and await direction from the Minister?