Three board members resign as Maryhill Housing launches code of conduct investigations
Maryhill Housing is to investigate a potential breach of its code of conduct and has confirmed the resignation of three of its board members.
The Association said it has commissioned an investigation into “potential breaches of the board member code of conduct” and has also commissioned a review of the internal process followed by the Association when dealing with these potential breaches.
Three board members have resigned in recent weeks and chairperson Roger Popplewell has taken a leave of absence while the review is carried out.
An email to board members from chief executive Bryony Willett states that the resignation of one board member Lorna Blain is “in response to the way the current potential board member breach issues have been managed by the Association”.
The email, which has been seen by Scottish Housing News, added that the Scottish Housing Regulator “has been informed about these issues and the proposed process” and also that “notifiable events have been submitted”.
Confirming the two investigations, Maryhill Housing added that Mr Popplewell voluntarily requested a leave of absence “in order to ensure the utmost impartiality”.
A spokesperson said: “The Association’s board conforms to a clear code of conduct to ensure the highest standards of governance are maintained and any potential breaches of our code of conduct are treated seriously and managed in line with the process set out in the code of conduct.
“The Association has commissioned an investigation into potential breaches of the board member code of conduct.
“The Association has also commissioned a review of the internal process followed by the Association when dealing with these potential breaches of the code of conduct. In order to ensure the utmost impartiality, the chair of the board voluntarily requested a leave of absence until such time as the review is complete.”
No details have been provided regarding the nature of the alleged breaches.
The spokesperson added: “Given that the investigation and review are ongoing, it is not possible for us to comment further at this time.
“Maryhill Housing does not and will not tolerate breaches of our code of conduct or our values and we look forward to the swift conclusion of the investigation and review.”
The email from Ms Willett adds that external third party governance expert Linda Ewart has been commissioned “to review the process followed, including the role of the chair and CEO in this process”.
Richard Turnock, a fellow board member at Maryhill and the newly-appointed chief executive of River Clyde Homes, will oversee the review.
The potential breach investigation will be carried out by internal auditors.
It is proposed that the outcome of the Linda Ewart investigation and the potential board member breach investigation by the internal auditors will both report to a special board meeting at the start of August.
The Maryhill Housing spokesperson added: “We would like to reassure our customers, stakeholders and staff that the recent board member resignations will not cause any disruption to them or to services we provide.
“As we begin the phased move out of lockdown and the re-introduction of our services, Maryhill Housing will continue to work hard to provide great housing and services for customers and support strong, inclusive communities within North West Glasgow.”