THE chairman of a Southend academy trust dogged by a “culture of fear” has resigned over irreconcilable differences with the chief executive.

Maurice Sweeting stepped down as chair of the board of the Southend East Community Academy Trust, which oversees six schools across the town.

Echo:

Resignation - Maurice Sweeting

His departure came two weeks after the vice-chairman of the board, Michelle Palles-Clark, also resigned.

In February, the Echo revealed the findings of an independent report by the East of England Local Government Association, which found that Trust staff were working in a “culture of fear”.

>> Parents demand answers from under-fire academy trust on absent headteacher role

The report found that complaints had been made against chief executive Ruth Brock, claiming she has a “dictatorial style” leaving staff fearing for their roles.

However, the report found allegations of bullying by the chief executive were not proven.

In his resignation letter, seen by the Echo, Maurice Sweeting said he had tried to work within the Trust but felt he had no choice but to resign.

He said: “I have tried and reached the end of the road.”

Mr Sweeting said he had been “silenced and gagged” in his role as chairman, feeling he had been unable to speak out if he disagreed with plans.

Echo:

Resignation - Thorpedene Primary School, one of those run by SECAT

He said the world outside the Trust is “taking a detailed interest” in its working practices following the publication of the report, and that people have “continued with renewed vigour” to ask what changes were being made.

He continued: “Since the publication of the report, I tried my hardest to facilitate the Board in making changes which would deal head-on with the issues clearly raised at the core of the Trust but you have blocked this at every point.

“To me, although you all disagreed on several draft statements responding to the report, it would appear that we really do need to explain ourselves fully to the community and not through a series of bland statements which fail to address the perceptions within the Trust.”

The Trust oversees six schools – Bournes Green Infant and Junior Schools, Hinguar Primary School, Richmond Avenue Primary School, Thorpedene Primary School and Shoebury High School.

The report, which was built on interviews with 11 South East Community Academy Trust employees, many of whom were nervous to speak to the investigator, was completed in September last year, and obtained by the Echo in February.

Since this date, three trustees have resigned – Mr Sweeting, Ms Palles-Clark, and Angela Savill.

Mr Sweeting added: “Many people know what the problem is, and it is no wonder our community and locals within it are still not satisfied and continue to lobby for the change.

“My regrets, not recognising and dealing with the problem earlier, the losing of good people along the way who saw the problem and understood the solution before me.

“To those I will apologise if I get the opportunity.”

SECAT responds to outgoing chair's claims 

A spokesman said: "Southend East Community Academy Trust (SECAT) wishes to thank Mr Sweeting for his years with SECAT.  We are grateful for his efforts, enthusiasm and spirit in helping support SECAT schools, and regret the way he has chosen to end his work as a Trustee in his resignation letter.

"SECAT’s principal responsibility is to ensure that the thousands of children that attend its schools receive the very best education possible, leaving our schools with aspiration and excitement; giving them opportunities to progress their chosen careers experiencing happy, safe and prosperous lives.

"In order to strengthen governance further, two new Trustees have recently joined the board which provides our schools with further, expert knowledge and oversight on HR and finance matters.  

"Trustees appreciate the hard work of the Trust executive team, ably led by our Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ruth Brock, in striving for excellence.  

"Contrary to Mr Sweeting’s assertions, the Board is not “manipulated” by the CEO, but remains focussed on the job. Trustees believe he should be proud of what he and colleagues have achieved, although there is always more to do to improve SECAT and the CEO and Trustees are aware of that. 

"At this time, the Trust and school leaders themselves are working hard in response to the Covid-19 situation, to ensure that the school environment is conducive and safe for the return of children and colleagues."