Announcement re Graham Davey,
Chief Executive Of The Authority
Devon and Cornwall Police Authority announced today that Graham Davey, Chief Executive, will be leaving the Authority on 31 July 2009. His career spans 35 years of which 14 were with the Police Authority.
Mr Davey aged 55, was suspended from duty on 10 March 2009, to enable an independent investigation into complaints made against him. That investigation by Mr Albert Lampey, former Employers Secretary of the South West Employers organisation for local authorities, has been ongoing. The complaints highlighted a deteriorating working relationship. This was seen to be the case both by Graham and the Authority. In the light of the departure of Mr Davey the investigation will be curtailed since further work on it in these circumstances will represent a waste of public money.
Mr Davey said today: “I have enjoyed the challenge of working for Devon and Cornwall Police Authority over the last 14 years since my involvement in setting it up in 1995. But I am sure people will understand that these past few months have been extremely difficult, not only for me personally but also for the Authority. Whilst I am confident that I would eventually be exonerated by the investigation, I believe it is in the best interests of everyone that I step down now and move on to new challenges.”
Mr Mike Bull, Chairman of the Police Authority, said: “Suspension pending the outcome of an investigation is a neutral act to give the opportunity for complaints to be investigated fairly and thoroughly. However, the process does impact on the smooth running of the organisation. That has been the case here. As Mr Davey has decided to step down, the process of recruiting a new Chief Executive will begin as quickly as possible.”
Pending the appointment of a new Chief Executive the overall management of the Authority's staff have been led by Acting Chief Executive Richard Martin. The process of appointing a new Chief Executive will begin as soon as possible. The terms of such an appointment will be settled very soon and public advertisements seeking applicants for the post will be published."