THE head of Citizens Advice Scotland has been suspended from her job, the Sunday Herald can reveal.
Margaret Lynch, chief executive of the £10million charity funded by the taxpayer, is off work while an investigation takes place.
John Wilson, a Central Scotland MSP, called for the “worrying” situation to be resolved urgently.
CAS is one of the most well-known and used organisations for consumers and vulnerable people in Scotland.
It provides advice on money, legal and welfare problems to hundreds of thousands of citizens every year through its bureaux.
Some 70% of its funding coms in the form of grants from the UK Government’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
Around 28% of the cash comes from funders such as the Scottish Government, the Big Lottery and the Money Advice Service to deliver specific projects
Lynch was appointed to the top job in July 2012 and has been a vocal critic of the UK Government’s welfare reforms.
She told Holyrood in 2013: “How is it possible in the 21st century in an advanced capitalist society that’s one of the richest nations that we are having to give our volunteers suicide awareness training because the welfare state is being ripped asunder?”
Before becoming chief executive, she held senior roles in War on Want and the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund.
She is also a well-known SNP supporter who defected to the party from Labour in 1998.
However, the Sunday Herald understands that Lynch, who is based in Coatbridge, was recently suspended and has been off work for around a month.
CAS insiders remain tight-lipped about the reasons but a source told this newspaper that Lynch is unpopular amongst some staff members and morale is low.
It is understood there has been trade union involvement in employee issues and, separately, there is a long running pay dispute.
A CAS spokesperson says: “We can confirm that the CEO is suspended. At present we are unable to make any further comment.”
The charity is governed by a board of trustees made up of members from citizens advice organisations across the country.
Wilson said: “It is worrying, particularly at a time when there are deep welfare cuts, that CAS has suspended its most senior member of staff. I trust this matter will be resolved with some urgency and that the CAS will ensure that it is not left without leadership.”
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