A QUARTER of staff at a newly-merged college whose principal was suspended amidst claims of a "perceived culture" of fear and bullying say they have been harassed at work.
An official survey of lecturers at Glasgow Clyde College found 24 per cent agreed with the statement that they had been "bullied or harassed" in the past year.
The internal survey, seen by The Herald, also found the single most unsatisfactory and demotivating aspect of working there was management.
And nearly 70 per cent agreed with the statement that they felt "frequently stressed due to work-related issues" - while there was also a high level of concern over job security.
Some 43 per cent of those surveyed disagreed with the statement that communications from senior management were "very clear".
On Saturday, The Herald revealed that Susan Walsh, the college principal, is to face a disciplinary hearing after a review of an earlier decision to suspend her on full pay by board chairman George Chalmers.
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.
The staff survey, by London-based company enhancingsurveys, also highlighted a range of more positive experiences.
Lecturers felt they made an important contribution to the college and there was clarity about team performance, job roles and expectation of achievement.
The survey showed staff generally had a positive relationship with their immediate line managers, finding them approachable and trusting.
Mrs Walsh, who received an OBE for services to education last year, was appointed principal of the newly-formed college in 2013 following the merger of Anniesland, Langside and Cardonald colleges.
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."
A task group of the board, senior college managers and trade union representatives has now been set up to examine the findings of the survey and oversee a programme of engagement with staff across the college.
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