College chief in bullying culture row steps down
Clyde principal Walsh retires with immediate effect
THE head of a college who was suspended and then reinstated after claims of a bullying culture has stepped down.
Susan Walsh, the principal of Glasgow Clyde College, announced in an email to staff she would be retiring with immediate effect.
The Herald understands she received a payment in lieu of notice in line with her salary of nearly £150,000, as well as holiday pay.
The move comes after a period of absence from the college on the grounds of ill health.
In a message to staff Mrs Walsh said: “I have to say it’s been a bit of a roller-coaster in the college over the last four years, but we’re in steadier waters now and it’s time for me to move on.
“What I will carry with me from Clyde is the pride I feel in what staff, board and students have achieved and what I know you will go on to achieve in the future.
“I wish you all the very best and know you will continue to deliver those life-changing moments for your students.”
A spokesman for the board added: “After a prolonged period of absence the principal has concluded Glasgow Clyde College requires certainty, stability and new leadership to move forward.
“She has therefore informed the chair of her intention to retire on grounds of ill health with effect from February 28.
“Any sums paid to her reflect the cost to the college of continuing to employ her throughout her contractual notice period had she submitted her notice on February 28 rather than leaving on that date.”
The spokesman added: “I would like to thank Susan for her leadership in helping establish Glasgow Clyde as an excellent college with a strong commitment to its students and staff.”
Mrs Walsh was suspended on full pay in March 2015 by the then board chairman after complaints from unions of a perceived culture of fear and bullying.
But after months of stalemate the entire board was sacked by Angela Constance, the former education secretary, who cited a number of concerns about the way the board had acted.
After the Scottish Government intervention the new board reinstated Mrs Walsh, but unions were left angry because they decided not to proceed with a disciplinary hearing on the original bullying allegations.
Ms Constance used her ministerial powers after claiming there had been “repeated incidences of failure relating to governance” at the college.
However, the case threw up significant concerns over the right of ministers to interfere in the running of colleges and college boards.
The Educational Institute of Scotland challenged the decision at the Court of Session on behalf of union member Peter Laverie, who was one of those removed.
Mrs Walsh was previously principal of both Stevenson College, in Edinburgh, and also Cardonald College, Glasgow, in 2008.
In 2013 she was appointed as Glasgow Clyde College’s first principal after its creation following a merger of Langside, Anniesland and Cardonald colleges.
In 2014 she was awarded an OBE for services to education.
‘‘ After a prolonged period of absence the principal has concluded Glasgow Clyde College requires... new leadership