A COLLEGE which suspended its principal has been accused of operating a "perceived culture" of fear and bullying.

The claim is contained in a confidential letter sent to the board of Glasgow Clyde College by senior officials from the local branch of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS).

The letter, seen by The Herald, was sent in early February, some two weeks before principal Susan Walsh was suspended on full pay by the board, led by chairman George Chalmers.

Signed by three EIS members, including Peter Laverie, the staff representative on the Glasgow Clyde board, the letter highlights a raft of concerns over the running of the college.

The letter states: "Teaching staff feel they have to work in a non-inclusive, insensitive college and there is a perceived culture of fear and that bullying comes from the top.

"Perhaps this is the biggest concern; that the board have never taken the time to recognise this or have been misled. Too many managers appear frightened to speak out or acknowledge publicly that there is a problem from the top down. The saddest thing is that many staff openly reflect that they don't like working for the college any more."

The letter goes on to highlight concerns over "the erosion of professional autonomy" for teaching staff, stating: "In public statements management may well endorse professional autonomy and moving responsibility and decision-making down the hierarchy.

"It is our suggestion, however, that since merger, teaching staff have experienced a steady erosion of their professional autonomy."

The letter says cuts in support staff have had a "serious impact" on the experience of students including access to bursary payments and student support as well as highlighting issues with student enrolment and ICT support.

It adds: "All of these factors have resulted in increased workload, delays and frustration for lecturing staff which has, in turn, impacted on the student experience and perception of Glasgow Clyde College as a professionally run college."

The letter also questions salary increases for senior managers and argues the pay differentials between different levels of job is "absurd".

A spokesman for the college board said they were aware of the letter and had set up a group to look at the issues raised.