Harrow Council's Personnel Appeals Panel has upheld a disciplinary appeal, resulting in the reinstatement of a staff member with a final written warning.
The decision was made during a meeting held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The panel reviewed both verbal and written evidence presented by the appellant and management before unanimously resolving to uphold the appeal. While the specific nature of this evidence was not detailed, the panel considered submissions from both parties.
Councillor Paul Osborn, who chaired the meeting, signed off on the minutes which stated that the appellant would be reinstated with a lesser sanction of a final written warning. The meeting, which included councillors Christopher Baxter and Krishna Suresh, was held in private due to the confidential nature of the information being discussed, as per Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.
Councillor Marilyn Ashton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regeneration, was listed as a member of the panel. However, she was not present at this specific meeting, with no reasons provided for her absence. Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, was also a member of the panel and chaired the proceedings. No declarations of interest were made by the members in attendance.
The Personnel Appeals Panel's procedures dictate that minutes are approved by the members present at each meeting and signed by the chair, rather than being submitted to subsequent meetings for approval due to the pooled membership of the panel. The full details of the meeting can be found in the Printed minutes Wednesday 14-Jan-2026 10.30 Personnel Appeals Panel.
