Those people that have been kind enough to follow me over the last few years will have noticed that I have been quiet for a few months. Following extensive involvement with Sheffield City Council's transition from a Leader & Cabinet system of Governance to a Modern Committee system, I took some time to recharge my batteries and to consider my next moves.
This coincided with the investigation and disciplinary process concerning Kate Josephs, as Chief Executive. The issues around her involvement in lockdown events, often known as 'Partygate' became a major problem for the City, it's leadership and, those of us that have tried to be a critical friend to the Council.
For me, the issue was never actually about her 'partying' whilst the rest of us were adhering to her Central Government masters rules. She was not the only one, as we well know, to fall foul of that issue. The problem for me arose from her choosing not to be open, transparent and honest with her employers and the people of the city she helps to lead.
Kate Joseph's only came clean on her involvement in a rule busting leaving party, thrown specifically for her, when she was threatened with exposure by the press. Local reporters had asked the question about her time at the Cabinet office and 'Partygate' on several occasions but she had denied any wrongdoing. It was only when the National press were about to publish a story concerning her own 'party' that the Chief Executive released a statement about the issues.
She had known the matter was under investigation for some time and had even asked for advice from her previous employer at the Cabinet Office. She followed their advice to keep the matter secret from her current employer, despite the potential reputational damage this might cause the city and, despite now being employed by the City Council.
This is where I have issue with her actions and her integrity.
I, personally, think she should have resigned at that point, admitting she had not lived up to her employer's or the city's expectations and by doing so give Sheffield an opportunity to start over and find a Chief executive we can trust. She, however, decided to subject herself and the Council to an extensive, slow and ultimately, wet rag disciplinary process. She has been sanctioned with a written warning and whilst this may seem a serious consequence, as the head of paid service within the Council, who will oversee her actions from here-on?
I have had the opportunity of a meeting with Kate Josephs after the fact and, although seemingly full of regret and understanding the impact she has had on the very trust in the institution she was employed to improve. For me, however, the actions she undertook during that period before the story came out in public, drove a coach and horses through the foundation of codes of conduct for public servants, in other words the Nolan Principles on Public Life. I therefore cannot place trust in the Chief Executive and will struggle to work with Council in as much depth as I have in the past.
Beyond the tribulations of the Chief executive, I have also been deeply disappointed that some Elected Councillors and so-called Sheffield business leaders were willing to overlook the Nolan Principles in favour of an expedient decision that was to their benefit. That further eroded my hope for a change in the culture of the Council that would be supported by the New Committee System and to the betterment of the residents and communities of the city.
For these reasons, following an open & honest conversation with the Council Leader Terry Fox I am now pulling back from my direct involvement with the City Council, except for the new review of the transition . I hope you will all be a part of this review to help the Council make the most of the new governance system and make the incremental improvements any new project needs.
