THE apparent mystery surrounding last month's unexpected resignation of Alton Community Centre manager Richard Swainston could become the subject of an extraordinary general meeting (EGM). But while Mr Swainston is attempting to call an EGM to discuss the issues surrounding his departure, Alton Community Association (ACA) trustees say that it is not an appropriate use of an EGM and that they won't be supporting it. Mr Swainston claims he was "driven to resign" by the actions of the managing trustees over a period of months and that he wants to call the board to account for these actions. In a statement this week he told The Herald: "I contend that these actions were directly related to my requests/attempts to try to stop trustees using ACA resources for their own purposes". In a "final plea" to Alton Community Association members, Mr Swainston has sent a letter asking them to attend an EGM which is to be held on Tuesday, August 2) starting at 7-30 pm at the community centre. And if he can't use a room at the centre he has determined to hold the meeting outside in the car park. He wants to discuss two resolutions - firstly that he be reinstated as manager and secondly that a debate should take place about the relationship between staff and trustees. Furthermore, he claims to have filed an official complaint of maladministration by the board with the Charity Commission and says he will be suing for constructive dismissal. According to ACA chairman Pat Lerew, as of Tuesday this week the Board had heard nothing about either of the above-mentioned issues and she firmly refuted any claims of maladministration. Mr Swainston had resigned of his own volition and it had been agreed unanimously by the trustees that it would be in everybody's best interests to accept his resignation, she said. Furthermore, contact with the Charity Commission had confirmed that employment issues were not considered an appropriate use for an EGM and that the board had taken the right course of action in refusing to hold such a meeting. "The Charity Commission's business is to make sure that the charity (in this case the ACA) is being administered properly, which we believe it is," said Mrs Lerew. She further refuted any claims that trustees were using ACA resources for their own purposes. "We are a dedicated team and all give our time for free and never claim expenses. I don't have any qualms about any accusations of misappropriation," she said. While the trustees have confirmed that they will not be calling an EGM to address staffing and employment issues, they have given an assurance to members of their commitment to ensuring a positive future for the ACA and the Alton Community Centre. And they have made every effort to allay the fears of staff about their job security. In a statement on Tuesday it was confirmed that since July 24 they have met with staff and that a separate meeting has also been offered to Richard Swainston. Currently on "gardening leave", as is normal business practice following a resignation, and due to leave officially today (Friday), Mr Swainston is not in a position to call an EGM himself since by Tuesday he will no longer be an ACA staff member. However, according to the constitution, an EGM can be called by an ACA member, as long as the request is supported by 20 fellow members. It also requires an attendance of 25 to form a quorum.
