Podcast script – Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Joint Board September 2012
I’m here with John Baillie, chair of the Accounts Commission for Scotland to talk about Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service’s Joint Board and the Commission’s findings on how the board handled the retirement and re-engagement of its chief fire officer, Brian Sweeney.
John, can you tell me what this is all about?
Well, going back to June 2009, the board approved the retirement and the re-engagement of Mr Sweeney on a fixed term contract. Later that year, pension arrangements were changed which could see the taxman make what’s called an “unauthorised payment charge” of £29,000 on the board.
Then in April 2011 the board also agreed to set aside a further £206,000 to pay Mr Sweeney’s personal liability for that charge. Now that remains a provision – no money has been paid to date.
So what did the board do wrong?
The Commission found systemic failures in the way the board handled this. It made decisions about Mr Sweeney’s position without considering other options, with incomplete information and a lack of transparency. The Board should have compelling reasons to take such an exceptional decision and in our view, in this case, it is difficult to conclude that  there were such exceptional circumstances.
What do you mean when you say the processes followed by the board fell well short of acceptable standards and governance?
Quite basic things really - and we list them in the report. For example, it was inappropriate for Mr Sweeney to be present when the board was first discussing his case three years ago and the clerk should have advised the board on this. The treasurer also failed to fulfil his role in 2011 to advise on potential financial implications of their decision.
So what do you want to see happen next?
Well, we  believe there are wider lessons here for all local authorities in Scotland and indeed all public bodies in Scotland to ensure that they have a firm grip on issues of governance, and that they provide transparency in how they conduct their business. 
These principles are the more important next year with the establishment of the new fire and police authorities for Scotland.
John, thank you very much.