Registrar ‘not on VC shortlist’
SWANSEA University has confirmed that its registrar and chief operating officer Andrew Rhodes couldn’t have been considered a candidate to become its next vice-chancellor, for which a shortlist has now been finalised.
It comes after suspended vice-chancellor Professor Richard B Davies, in a leaked grievance letter to the university’s council, claimed Mr Rhodes was seeking to “seize the position of vicechancellor”.
The university said that under its ordinances, its registrar, a role Mr Rhodes took up last spring, is required to investigate any claims of impropriety, misconduct or negligence made against university employees.
Since the suspension of Professor Davies, Mr Rhodes, as also required under the ordinances – which set out the rules and conduct of the business of the university – has taken on some vice-chancellor functions in an interim capacity.
Last September, Mr Davies announced his retirement as vice-chancellor with effect from this summer. He was suspended by the university for alleged gross negligence last November. Professor Davies has denied any wrongdoing.
Three members of staff in the university’s business school, including its dean Professor Marc Clement, were also suspended at the same time as Mr Davies for alleged gross misconduct. Professor Clement also vehemently denies any wrongdoing.
In the leaked 10-page grievance letter, Professor Davies said: “It cannot be mere coincidence that days after I had a formal meeting with Andrew Rhodes to discuss concerns with his performance, I find myself suspended.
“I believe that this is evidence that this entire situation was constructed by Andrew Rhodes to a) avoid performance action against him and b) to seize the position of vice-chancellor.”
However, in a statement the university said: “The process for recruiting a new vice-chancellor has been under way since Professor Davies announced his retirement in September 2018 and shortlisting has taken place this week.
“As required by the university ordinances, the process is being managed by the registrar and chief operating officer, Andrew Rhodes, who is the most senior university official after the vice-chancellor.
“The registrar is also responsible for investigating any claims of impropriety, misconduct or negligence made against university employees.
“Following the suspension of Professor Davies, Mr Rhodes is carrying out some of the functions of the vice-chancellor, as required by the university’s ordinances.”
Mr Rhodes is a former senior civil servant who was recruited to the university because of his background in service delivery, scrutiny and regulation.
“As a non-academic, Mr Rhodes would not be eligible for the vice-chancellor post, nor would he be able to lead the recruitment process if he was a candidate.”
It is understood that the university suspensions are related to the proposed £200 million Wellbeing Village in Llanelli, in which the university was a partner alongside Carmarthenshire Council.