Sacked charity CEO loses appeal

Rob Thomas, the former chief executive and director of Herefordshire social charity Vennture, has lost an appeal against his dismissal over claims of bullying.

Vennture announced on March 12 it had dismissed Mr Thomas with immediate effect, following an independent investigation into allegations against him made by unnamed members of staff.

Mr Thomas then exercised his right under the charity’s employment policy for an independent appeal against its decision.

An Appeal Panel made up of a former High Sheriff of Herefordshire and an independent chair, which convened on March 24, decided the independent investigation had been fair and the outcome was justified, according to Vennture’s interim chief executive Jon Roberts.

“Rob has no further right of appeal,” he said. “As a consequence, the trustees have appointed me interim CEO to provide continuity for the team for the next six months.”

He added: “Those who were subjected to bullying behaviour should have been protected as it has no place in Vennture.

“They have the right to be heard and the organisation has done so and will and has learnt from this.”

Meanwhile a group of ten Vennture street pastors and ambassadors who worked with Mr Thomas for over ten years have signed a joint letter putting on record their “appreciation of his work for Herefordshire”.

“Despite his demanding role, Rob continued to regularly go out each month, often until the early hours, to help those in need on the streets ensuring the mission of ‘Have a good time, Come home safe’ was delivered,” they wrote.

In response to this, Mr Roberts said: “It is only right that we recognise the work that Rob has done to create and build Vennture and to recognise the impact that it has in Herefordshire.

“However, Vennture is more than one person, it employs circa 60 people and as a team, they together are what makes the delivery possible and as a result Vennture will continue to deliver on its mission of ‘loving people better’.”

He added that Mr Thomas’ wife Hilary “is still very much part of Vennture”, despite reports that she too had lost her position.

Mr Thomas was approached for comment.