Max Caller, the lead government-appointed commissioner at Slough Borough Council has confirmed that chief executive Josie Wragg has been sacked for “gross misconduct”.
Caller announced the decision at a meeting of the commissioners today (9 March) having reviewed an independent report produced for Slough’s Investigating and Disciplinary Committee (IDC) into the performance of the chief executive.
The independent report itemised a list of issues that Wragg had failed to address including: failure to provide effective corporate leadership; failure to ensure that posts were appropriately filled (such as the s151 officer); failure to monitor, challenge or manage the revenue budget, borrowing or capital programme; and failure to develop an adequate or credible response to the s114 notice that was issued in July 2021.
The report highlighted Wragg’s “reckless” decision to go ahead with the “Our Futures” restructure of the council during the Covid-19 pandemic and when it was “financially blind” as the accounts had not been signed off.
A note issued by the commissioners after today’s meeting stated: “Commissioners recognised that the CEO could not and should not be held accountable for decisions taken prior to her appointment, but that the decisions she did take and was responsible for had been tested by the IDC and the allegations had been upheld through proper process.”
Wragg was dismissed with immediate effect without notice or pay in lieu of notice but was paid for accrued leave.
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