Bullying probe puts spotlight on Civic Trust shortcomings

Galway City Tribune – An investigation has highlighted a series of shortcomings by the Board of Galway Civic Trust, which manages some of the city’s prime heritage sites.

The investigation, which concluded this Summer, related to a number of allegations made by an employee against a former chair of Galway Civic Trust and its Board of Directors.

Well-placed sources have estimated that the costs associated with the allegations, and the subsequent investigation, including legal fees, could exceed €10,000.

The problems at the Civic Trust (Dúchas na Gaillimhe) could be raised at next Monday’s City Council meeting.

The investigation – a copy of which has been seen by this newspaper – upholds a number of allegations made by a staff member.

The allegations in part related to the organisation’s bullying and harassment policy.

Not all of the allegations were upheld; however, the investigator was critical of the Board and its management of the organisation.

The investigation found that “poor governance by the Board” and “very real conflicts of interest” contributed “significantly” to the situation. The investigation found that “there was a lack of well-defined boundaries for staff, officers and Board” and there was “a serious lack of proper management skills available to the organisation”.
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