The chief executive of a Herefordshire-based social charity has been dismissed from the role following allegations of bullying.
Rob Thomas, who was the chief executive of Vennture, was accused of bullying and an independent investigation was opened into the claims.
Following the conclusion of the investigation, Thomas has been dismissed from his role with immediate effect.
Vennture, which delivers a range of activities, including providing support to families and individuals involved with the criminal justice system, describes itself as “dedicated to helping people in difficult situations”.
Thomas had been with the organisation since its founding in 2012 and was awarded an MBE for his work in the 2020 Queen's Birthday Honours list.
The charity’s chair of trustees, Paul Ballard, said in a statement on Vennture’s website that the investigation found Thomas’ behaviour “fell below the standards we expect within our charity” and that trustees had “a responsibility to act when those standards are not met”.
Ballard added that the charity was “grateful to those who came forward during the investigation, and we apologise unreservedly to the individual affected for the harm caused”.
Thomas has the right to appeal the decision.
Thomas previously helped to found Vennture in 2012 and had served as its chief executive since 2013, according to his LinkedIn profile.
