Hank Roberts promoted after Copland school bonus scandal (From Harrow Times)

Hank Roberts promoted after Copland school bonus scandal

12:51pm Monday 15th March 2010 in

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A UNION branch secretary who blew the whistle on more than £1m of bonuses at a school will be made president of his organisation.

Evidence submitted by Hank Roberts sparked an investigation by Brent Council into senior management at Copland Community School, in Cecile Avenue.

This exposed evidence of gross financial misconduct and headteacher Sir Alan Davies resigned after facing internal disciplinary charges.

Dr Richard Evans, deputy head for finance, was sacked and two other senior managers resigned. The fraud squad is still deciding whether to launch its own investigation.

Mr Roberts, branch secretary for the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), has now been promoted to junior vice-president, meaning he will automatically take the organisation's top job in September 2012.

He said: “I have no doubt that, among other things, the support from members was because of the stand I was prepared to take in blowing the whistle on this scandal.

“I also know they will expect me to resolutely campaign for the full force of the law to be brought to bear in this case.”

Mr Roberts has said if the police do not pursue criminal charges against the four managers, he will seek civil prosecution with union support.

Columbus Udokoro, the school's bursar, and Michelle Bishop, the HR manager, also resigned after being suspended from the school.

Copland's board of governors was sacked over the scandal in June.

Sir Alan and Dr Evans have previously contacted the Harrow Times to say they are innocent.