The former vice-chancellor of the University of Ulster, Prof Gerry McKenna, had a case to answer over a number of allegations including bullying and attending meetings while impaired by alcohol, a previously confidential report has concluded.
The report listed complaints from several of Prof McKenna's academic colleagues and, in addition to the claims referring to bullying and alcohol, ruled that he further had a prima facie case to answer relating to allegations of lax financial controls at the university and losing the confidence of a majority of senior colleagues.
The allegations, which Professor McKenna denies - putting some of his reported behaviour down to a medical condition - were disclosed after the Belfast Telegraph succeeded at Belfast High Court in overturning an injunction preventing publication of an investigation into complaints about the "conduct or capability" of the academic in leading the university.
The former British parliamentary ombudsman, Sir Michael Buckley, carried out the investigation which was commissioned by the council of the University of Ulster after the allegations were made under the university's "whistle-blowing" policy.
The report, which was initially deemed confidential, resulted in Prof McKenna deciding to stand down last month as vice-chancellor, although no disciplinary proceedings were taken against him. Prof McKenna, however, was given the option of accepting a deal to stand down or face possible disciplinary action based on the report.
Mr Gerry Burns, university pro-chancellor and chairman of its ruling council, said the university decided against a formal disciplinary tribunal because it would have been costly and damaging to the university, particularly in light of the fact that while a prima facie case was found against Prof McKenna, nothing was proven. Under the deal, 51-year-old Prof McKenna is continuing in the less senior, non-executive role of president of the university for one year with a special remit to act as a "travelling ambassador" for it.
Prof McKenna, who was initially on sick leave, and then on sabbatical leave from the university, is due to take up this role in August.
Sir Michael Buckley stated in his report that he had heard from witnesses that Prof McKenna's behaviour was impaired through alcohol at seven meetings, including one with the then education minister in the North, Barry Gardiner.
He said more than a dozen witnesses had told him there was a "general climate of intimidation and general attacks by the vice-chancellor". Sir Michael added that Prof McKenna had a case to answer in relation to the claim that he had lost the confidence of the majority of the university's senior executive management committee. He also found that Prof McKenna had a case to answer over claims of lax financial controls, with evidence that he paid £400,000 to two firms of consultants without any competitive selection process.
Prof McKenna denied the allegations. He told Sir Michael that he had been unwell for some 18 months.
"His illness would explain the general malaise and irritability that he recognised had been present in his behaviour for at least 12 months. (I have seen medical evidence to this effect)," Sir Michael wrote.
