Norfolk council watchdog row worsens after officer dismissal

It follows professor Tim O'Riordan's intervention after Sarah Bristow, former county officer at the Norfolk Association of Local Councils (NALC), was sacked from her role earlier this month - for reasons that remain secret.

He sent a letter to members saying he "strongly disagreed" with the decision and that he now holds "deep concerns" about the viability of the organisation.

But he has since been accused of making "incorrect allegations" and that he "acted unethically" through his intervention.

WHAT IS NALC?

The organisation, which is run as a cooperative, provides a range of services to local town and parish councils. 

This includes training for clerks and councillors, legal advice and support and payroll services.

NALC is where many parish councils turn to when they face challenges, such as relationship breakdowns between councillors.

But it is currently embroiled in its own internal dispute following the dismissal of Mrs Bristow.

Sarah Bristow has been dismissed from her position as county officer at Norfolk Association of Local Councils (Image: NALC)

The former county officer, responsible for a wide range of services NALC offers, has recently been dismissed for "gross misconduct" following an investigation.

NALC has not revealed the nature of the probe and what the reasons are for her sacking, due to legal reasons.

However, Mrs Bristow said due to NALC, "not following their own policies and guidelines," she is now appealing the decision.

While the circumstances are unclear, Professor O'Riordan indicated NALC is currently embroiled in a "long-running dispute with the HMRC over taxation matters and pension payments, where there is the possibility of the association getting into debt."

He also complained that board members have remained in their role, rather than resigning after a year, however NALC has said this is a false accusation.

Madeline Ashcroft, chairwoman and company secretary for the Norfolk Association of Local Councils (Image: Newsquest)

CLAIMS REFUTED

NALC's board members have said that while the organisation is dealing with the fallout of Mrs Bristow's disciplinary action, it is making efforts to ensure full service is resumed "without interruption." 

Chairwoman Madeline Ashcroft said: “The claims by Association President Tim O'Riordan have caused considerable alarm among our members.

“A number of his allegations are simply incorrect. For example, when he states that members should have resigned after a year, this is wrong.

"The rules state that councillors of member councils are elected as directors for four years. It is quite incredible that Tim should make such incorrect claims.

"His letter was sent unethically, and without the board's knowledge. 

"The board is now having to deal with the fallout of his unwarranted accusations and this whole episode has been extremely unhelpful at a time when we need to turn our attention to the smooth running of the service."

Tim O'Riordan, president of the Norfolk Association of Local Councils (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Ashcroft added that NACL members would only be liable up to a maximum of £1 for any debts incurred by the association if there were to be any.

It is understood Professor O'Riordan, who is an emeritus professor of environmental sciences at the University of East Anglia and a member of Colney parish council, has recently had a meeting with the board.

NALC has said following this, they are working together to find a resolution to the fallout. 

Professor O'Riordan did not wish to comment further on the matter.