Watchdog boss quit after sexual conduct allegations were made
THE chief executive of Scotland’s environmental watchdog quit over allegations of a “sexual nature” made by two people, it has been revealed.
Terry A’hearn, who had led the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) since 2015, left his role with immediate effect on January 19.
Sepa chairman Bob Downes has now told staff the allegations against Mr A’hearn were of a sexual nature but did not involve sexual assault. He also said there were claims of a culture of bullying and harassment.
Sepa is the Scottish Government public body tasked with making sure environment and human health are protected by monitoring air, land, and water quality. It is responsible for controlling pollution from more than 5,000 sites and employs 1,300 people at 22 offices.
Mr A’hearn, who was paid about £125,000 in 2020, resigned in January but Sepa said at the time it needed to protect the anonymity of the people who made the conduct allegations.
Sepa’s chairman said he now had the consent of the two individuals who made the claims against Mr A’hearn to say they were of a sexual nature.
Mr Downes, has now confirmed to staff two reports over Mr A’hearn’s behaviour were made to the organisation, however they are not understood to involve claims of sexual assault.
Mr Downes added the matter has not been reported to Police Scotland after he was given consent by the two people who made the allegations to disclose details. A range of “support measures” have been put in place for staff, including a “confidential reporting route” for workers to submit their views on Mr A’hearn’s tenure.
In an email to staff, Mr Downes wrote: “In recent weeks, working to support individuals who raised concerns and with our trade union partner, we have become alert to increasing awareness and unhelpful speculation about the nature of the allegations.
“Consequently, to avoid potential inaccurate speculation and as part of a broader package Sepa is announcing today, we can now confirm, with the consent of affected individuals, that the conduct allegations against Mr. A’hearn were of a sexual nature.
“The allegations were raised by two individuals and did not involve sexual assault. At the time we were clear that in order to protect anonymity, we were unable to comment further.
“Since his departure, we’ve also heard concerns from Sepa Unison regarding the tenure and culture of the previous chief executive in relation to bullying and harassment. Sepa has a clear code of conduct and takes all conduct allegations very seriously indeed.”
Mr Downes said Sepa had confirmed a package of measures to support staff, including a confidential internal route to record general observations regarding the tenure of the previous chief executive.
Chief officer Jo Green will continue as acting chief executive while the recruitment process for Mr A’hearn’s replacement is under way. Kirsty Johnston, Unison area organiser for Sepa, added: “This has been a difficult time for staff, particularly for those who raised the allegations of bullying and inappropriate sexual behaviour.
“Unison has worked closely with Sepa management – supporting staff who felt bullied and undermined, and working with managers to ensure their complaints are being handled properly.
“No-one should suffer bullying or inappropriate behaviour at work. We will continue to work closely with the Sepa management team, and we are all committed to ensuring that it is a great place to work.”
A new system of “leadership culture, standards, behaviours, progressive people policies and employee engagement” is expected to be included as part of Sepa’s annual operating plan when it is published next week.