Director cleared, but Leeds museum probe stalls

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Director cleared, but Leeds museum probe stalls

Oct 21, 2008

By Vicki Robinson

FRESH details can today be revealed about the investigation into irregularities at Leeds's Royal Armouries museum.

As the YEP has previously reported, Armouries chief executive Paul Evans was suspended in April and an internal inquiry was launched.

Five months on, he has yet to return to work and has been signed off on long-term sick leave.

Now the YEP has learned that museums director Peter Armstrong was also investigated in the spring when the "potential irregularities" came to light.

Officials at the museum say Mr Armstrong was "very quickly cleared of any misbehaviour" and was not removed from his post.

But they remain unable to conclude the inquiry into Mr Evans, who was excluded from work at the Armouries – home to the UK's finest collection of arms and armour – after "internal system checks" picked up "potential irregularities.".

He was sent home while auditors trawled records and computers.

Mr Evans was asked to attend an investigation hearing in May, but before that meeting could take place he was signed off sick.

It is understood he is currently still receiving at least part of his £91,000 salary.

Museum officials say the inquiry is now "in limbo" and will not be concluded until Mr Evans is considered well enough to attend a reconvened hearing with trustees at the Clarence Dock venue.

A museum spokesman said the investigation had proceeded as far as it could without input from Mr Evans, who has refused to comment on either the investigation or when he might return to work.

Mr Evans, who lives in York, was appointed master of the Armouries and chief executive in July, 2003, having previously held the post of chief operating officer.

Museum administration and finance director Joan Jacobs has been installed as acting chief executive until a decision is made over Mr Evans.

The Department for Media, Culture and Sport, which provides funding for the Armouries, said it was also awaiting the outcome of the investigation.

Source: Yorkshire Evening Post

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