(A copy and paste of a Facebook post I made yesterday)
Dear lovers of The Bell.
I made a brief reference to some concerns I had about developments at this wonderful, unique, vibrant place about 10 days ago (on FB).
I would now like to add the following information.This is only after considerable thought and hoping that certain issues are resolved.
1/ My original letter to Members giving reasons for my leaving and talking about the future of The Bell, what can go right and what could go wrong, based on the first year's experiences, was trimmed from four or five detailed pages to three bland and meaningless paragraphs before being transmitted to Members.
2/ A letter I wrote to new Board members, talking about the events of the first year and some of the problems that had cropped up - some seven pages if I remember rightly - was never delivered to those Board members.
3/ Upon my departure, I was reminded on several occasions of the "confidentiality clause" in my contract: a very un-Bell-like situation, that still makes me boggle
4/ Having originally seemed keen to accept my offer to sit on the interview panel for my replacement and to stay on and help train him/her and show them the unique ropes of the place, the Board then suddenly took the view that, far from doing this, I should be kept entirely out of contact from the new chap, despite the many good reasons why we should at least sit down together for an afternoon.
5/ A member of The Board who phoned my replacement shortly before his arrival, in order to offer my contact details to touch base, was subsequently "warned off" by another Board member in what could be interpreted as quite an aggressive way. A report I wrote about this and the complaint from that Board member has seemingly not been resolved.
These comments are all a matter of fact. One can give them what interpretation one pleases. However, I DO believe that Members should perhaps think about transparent and full Board minutes for ALL meetings. I would personally be happy to speak at a meeting of Members if one arises, if invited and if company procedures allow it (as I am not a Member myself). I also believe that Members should reflect on the unique and key roles that certain staff have at The Bell, and upon the equally unique formula, and that they should press existing Board members to retain both of these. This is, in my opinion, necessary for continuing prosperity of this wonderful place, and for its continuing "vibe", which after all if the aspect that led so many to rally round the "Save The Bell" cause.
Message ends
