THE head of a newly-merged college who was suspended amidst claims of a bullying culture is to face a disciplinary hearing.

Susan Walsh, the principal of Glasgow Clyde College, has been asked to attend a disciplinary meeting by the institution's board.

The move comes after she was suspended on full pay by board chairman George Chalmers in March.

The board refused to comment on why action was taken, but it is understood there have been issues over Mrs Walsh's management style.

A confidential letter sent to the college board by senior officials from the local branch of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) described a "perceived culture" of fear and bullying.

Mrs Walsh was also said to have had disagreements with former First Minister Henry McLeish, the powerful chair of the over-arching Glasgow colleges regional board. However, Mr McLeish has denied having any influence over the decision.

A statement from the board said: "Following an independent review completed this week, the principal has been asked to attend a disciplinary meeting. This will be held in accordance with the college's disciplinary procedures."

The hearing comes as the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) continues its own review of the initial decision to suspend Mrs Walsh, who was awarded an OBE last year for services to education.

The SFC wrote to Mr Chalmers raising concerns over the "discharge of his responsibilities" and responses he made to the organisation over his actions.

The letter from Laurence Howells, chief executive of the SFC, dated March 6, stated: "I remain dissatisfied with particular aspects of those responses which further augment concern regarding the governance and management of the college and specifically the discharge of your responsibilities as chair."

Despite the concerns over Mrs Walsh's management style, a recent Education Scotland report into the running of Clyde praised her leadership.

It stated: "The college is led well by the principal, ably supported by an experienced and highly committed senior management team."

Mrs Walsh was appointed principal of the newly-formed college in 2013 following the merger of Anniesland, Langside and Cardonald colleges.

Meanwhile, there was further concern over the progress made by Scotland's newly-merged colleges with a critical review by inspectors of Fife College.

The report by Education Scotland found at least 30 per cent of learners were failing to complete courses, below the national average.

Inspectors concluded that the college had not yet established an appropriate level of information, advice and support services to students.

It added: "Teaching staff do not use a sufficiently wide range of learning and teaching approaches to motivate and engage learners.

"There are weaknesses in arrangements for high quality learning, learner engagement and quality culture. If not addressed, the importance of these weaknesses will continue to limit the effectiveness of the college's arrangements."

Fife College came into being in 2013 as a result of the merger of Adam Smith and Carnegie colleges together with part of Elmwood College.

In the last few weeks, issues of concern have been raised by Education Scotland at a number of colleges including Glasgow Kelvin, which had the worst drop-out rates in the sector for higher education courses.