New Deal controversy

Story: Members of the editorial team

On January 23rd, the Sheffield Star published allegations concerning Burngreave New Deal and reported a call from the local Liberal Democrat leader for New Deal’s Chief Executive to be suspended, and for governance arrangements at Burngreave New Deal to be investigated.

The allegation is, essentially, that Burngreave New Deal employed two men who had been accused of improperly living rent-free in a property provided by Brent Council when they were in charge of a New Deal in South Kilburn. Bill Husband, who was sacked by South Kilburn after being found guilty of gross misconduct, was employed as temporary Deputy Director at Burngreave New Deal. Jack Davies, who resigned from South Kilburn, was awarded substantial contracts with Burngreave New Deal to deliver training.

Residents will be weary of yet another negative story about Burngreave in the Star, but may take an interest in whether the power at Burngreave New Deal has shifted too far from local residents towards highly paid staff from outside the area, especially as there are no longer any local residents working at New Deal’s main office.

New Deal has now terminated all contracts with the two men and is undertaking an internal enquiry. However, none of the senior officers at New Deal or New Deal Board members approached by the Messenger were able to provide any answers regarding what information senior management shared with Board members and whether Board members were able to scrutinise the appointment and the contracts.

Questions still requiring answers include:

• What did staff at New Deal in general, and the Chief Exec., in particular, know about the background of the two men?

• Was anything known about the two men’s background communicated to the wider Partnership Board?

• What was the total amount of the contracts awarded to Jack Davies?

• Since it’s usual for projects of over £50,000 to be approved by the Board, did this occur in this case?