Charity CEO loses appeal over bullying claims

A charity's former CEO has lost an appeal after he was dismissed over claims of bullying.

Hereford-based Vennture said Rob Thomas had been sacked with immediate effect on 12 March, following an independent investigation into allegations against him made by unnamed members of staff.

Thomas then exercised a right under the charity's employment policy and appealed against its decision.

But an appeal panel on 24 March decided the investigation had been fair and the outcome was justified, according to Jon Roberts, the company's interim chief executive.

"Rob has no further right of appeal," Roberts said. "As a consequence, the trustees have appointed me interim CEO to provide continuity for the team for the next six months."

He added: "Those who were subjected to bullying behaviour should have been protected as it has no place in Vennture.

"They have the right to be heard and the organisation has done so and will and has learnt from this."

Thomas has been approached for comment but provided no response when he was previously contacted by the BBC.

Vennture on its website describes its purpose as supporting those in need and "igniting positive change" by "lending a helping hand on the streets of Hereford and nurturing families in their homes".

Meanwhile a group of ten Vennture street pastors and ambassadors who worked with Thomas for more than 10 years have signed a joint letter stating their "appreciation of his work for Herefordshire".

"Despite his demanding role, Rob continued to regularly go out each month, often until the early hours, to help those in need on the streets ensuring the mission of 'have a good time, come home safe' was delivered," they wrote.

In response, Roberts said it was only right that the work Thomas had done to create and build the charity was recognised.

He said: "However, Vennture is more than one person, it employs circa 60 people and as a team, they together are what makes the delivery possible and as a result Vennture will continue to deliver on its mission of 'loving people better'."

Roberts added that Thomas' wife Hilary was "still very much part of Vennture", despite reports that she too had lost her position.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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