HES grievance probe clears chief executive Brown

TL;DR

Grievance Probe Ends: Investigation into Historic Environment Scotland (HES) chief executive Katerina Brown concluded with no disciplinary action.
No Substance Found: Dozens of complaints from seven directors were reviewed and dismissed by the HES board.
HES Turmoil Continues: Agency faces ongoing issues after Audit Scotland criticism and staff reviews despite probe closure.

The story at a glance

A grievance probe into HES chief executive Katerina Brown, started by all seven directors in May last year, has ended with the board finding no substance to the complaints and no disciplinary issues. The findings were presented to the HES board earlier this month, allowing Brown to continue in her £145,000-a-year role. This comes amid wider turmoil at the agency, including a recent aide's departure and past Audit Scotland criticism, reported now as the probe wraps up after over a year.

Key points

All seven HES directors lodged a collective grievance against Brown on May 8 last year over her management.
Probe investigated dozens of complaints but found no substance; board conducted further checks and cleared her of disciplinary issues.
Brown, appointed September 2024, went off sick May 2 last year, including a suspension period, and returned in October.
Her aide John Egan left HES after an "event-filled year" for a role at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games organisation.
HES receives £74m yearly to manage over 300 historic sites like Edinburgh Castle and Skara Brae.
Audit Scotland in December criticised HES governance, noting no accountable officer for six months during Brown's absence, raising fraud risks.
HES launched reviews of 400 staff purchasing cards and overseas travel after the audit.

Details and context

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has faced repeated headlines over internal issues, including leaks about working culture like a complaint of a senior figure "twerking" at an Edinburgh Castle event, as reported by Scotland on Sunday last October.

Culture secretary Angus Robertson defended Scottish Government involvement with HES during Brown's absence, insisting it was "actively engaged".

It is unclear if any wider grievance process continues, as HES does not comment on personnel matters.

The agency manages major sites but has been hit by governance weaknesses flagged by Auditor General Stephen Boyle.

Key quotes

"The grievance investigation concluded and the matter was handed back to the board. The board reviewed the report and after some further investigation concluded there were no disciplinary issues for Katerina Brown to face." (The Herald source)
"there was no substance to them" (on dozens of complaints, The Herald source)

Why it matters

HES oversees key Scottish heritage sites with £74m public funding, so leadership stability affects preservation and spending accountability. The probe's closure clears Brown but leaves questions over ongoing grievances and turmoil amid Audit Scotland's warnings on fraud risks. Watch for HES review outcomes on purchasing cards and travel, plus any new personnel statements, though details remain limited.

What changed

Before, the grievance probe into Katerina Brown was ongoing since May last year, with MSPs told in January it continued despite some directors dropping out. Now, the investigation has concluded, the board found no disciplinary issues after reviewing the report, and Brown continues as chief executive. This happened with findings presented to the board earlier this month.

FAQ

Q: What triggered the grievance against Katerina Brown?

A: All seven HES directors lodged a collective complaint on May 8 last year raising issues about her management. The probe investigated dozens of complaints but found no substance. The board reviewed it and cleared her of any disciplinary action.

Q: Why was HES criticised by Audit Scotland?

A: The December report slammed governance, highlighting no accountable officer for nearly six months during Brown's sick leave, leaving the organisation vulnerable to fraud. It called weaknesses "unacceptable" and urged controls for value for money. HES responded with reviews of staff purchasing cards and overseas travel.

Q: Who is John Egan and why did he leave HES?

A: John Egan was head of office for Katerina Brown. He left after an "event-filled year" and took a post at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games organisation, announcing it on LinkedIn. This was revealed on Monday.

Q: What does HES manage and how is it funded?

A: HES looks after over 300 historic buildings and sites including Edinburgh and St Andrews castles, Linlithgow Palace, and Skara Brae. It receives £74 million a year from the government to maintain and promote them.

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