Posted 31 March 2023 - 06:00
Posted 31 March 2023 - 06:00
News
Former RCN council chair’s case against the RCN: the verdict
Tribunal rejects six of Dave Dawes’ complaints against the college, which followed his suspension and subsequent expulsion from the union
Tribunal rejects six of Dave Dawes’ complaints against the college, which followed his suspension and subsequent expulsion from the union
The former chair of the RCN council has had the majority of his complaints over the handling of whistleblowing and alleged conflicts of interest at the college rejected.
A tribunal found six out of ten complaints by Dave Dawes were not in breach of trade union laws. Two of the complaints were upheld while two were withdrawn or waived.
History of the complaints against the RCN
Mr Dawes was expelled from the RCN last year following an investigation into his conduct. This followed his suspension as RCN council chair in 2021 following complaints about his behaviour. An investigation was then launched into his conduct.
An independent review was later announced into the culture of the organisation, headed up by Bruce Carr KC.
Ten complaints were filed against college
Following his suspension, Mr Dawes launched two complaints via the RCN’s whistleblowing policy into the way the RCN had handled the review.
The complaints were later heard at a Certification Officer (CO) tribunal, alongside a further eight complaints lodged by Mr Dawes relating to the RCN’s handling of complaints about his behaviour and potential conflicts of interests for those investigating his conduct.
Decisions reached and published
This week the office of the CO, which deals with complaints about trade unions and employer’s associations, handed down its findings on Mr Dawes’ complaints.
Of the ten findings, the CO found the RCN did not break employment rules in six of the complaints.
It upheld two complaints from Mr Dawes and found the RCN had breached employment rules as it did not keep Mr Dawes’ suspension under review to ensure it did not last longer than necessary.
The CO did not impose a financial penalty or an enforcement order for the breaches.
Mr Dawes withdrew one complaint and waived his right to another, the CO found.
Read the findings of the Certification Officer
Dawes v Royal College of Nursing
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