REVELATIONS have emerged Grant District Council acting chief executive Jane Fetherstonhaugh was offered the organisation’s top job but declined due to ongoing behavioural issues involving Mayor Richard Sage.
Details about Ms Fetherstonhaugh’s declined chief executive position offer – which has since led to the subsequent appointment of David Whicker – were first revealed to the public at Tuesday night’s special meeting.
Speaking to The Border Watch yesterday, Ms Fetherstonhaugh said she would have accepted the position if the “non-negotiable condition” could be met.
“I went through a comprehensive recruitment process and was offered the position of CEO by the selection panel,” she said.
“I informed the panel that my non-negotiable condition in accepting the offer was the mayor commit to following the Charter of Agreed Behaviours which was adopted by council on June 24.”
Ms Fetherstonhaugh’s position was discussed by elected members at a special council meeting on August 27 and thereafter she was informed by the selection panel the condition could not be agreed.
“It is the position of elected members the non-negotiable condition stated in your email of Thursday, August 22 is not accepted,” the panel said.
“Elected members are committed to working within the Charter and finding appropriate ways for it to work for all parties.
“Elected members recognise that cultural change requires time and constant progression.
“When the CEO appointment is finalised, a review date of the charter will be set.”
Ms Fetherstonhaugh has held the position for a interim period of close to six months after David Singe was removed by the organisation in April.
She said having to decline the offer to take on the position permanently was a missed opportunity for both her and council.
“I commend the elected members for finally taking action on the Mayor’s behaviour however I am very disappointed that this did not occur earlier as it may have been a different outcome for me,” she said.
“Many staff have told me they were disappointed that I would not be stepping up to the role that I had been actively undertaking since April.”
However, she said staff had supported her position to take a stand.
“I have had many emails and messages from council staff commending me on my stance,” she said.
“The Grant District Council has a fantastic group of staff that have had to battle through three chief executive changes along with a Cultural Review.”
Ms Fetherstonhaugh will finish up in the position of acting chief executive towards the end of the month with Mr Whicker – currently the acting chief executive of Flinders Ranges Council – starting October 28.
According to a Grant council media statement, Mr Whicker’s 20 years of local government experience will bring a wealth of knowledge on customer service, administration, procurement, risk management, governance and emergency management, internal audit and strong financial management.
