The Board of Scottish Ballet has been described as ?arrogant and secretive? by a sub committee of the Scottish Executive, which has concluded that the handling of plans to reposition the company as a major new force in contemporary dance was ?truly appalling?.
Public disquiet and substantial adverse press comment followed Scottish Ballet?s announcement in August this year that it was to redefine its position as a contemporary dance company and that it would not be renewing the fixed term contract of its Artistic Director, Robert North, when that expired in 2003. Such were the number of representations from within the company, from those associated with it and from concerned members of the public that a sub committee of the Scottish Executive agreed to hold an urgent inquiry. Its report is highly critical of the Board, but also of Scottish Arts Council for its support of the plans in the absence of a thorough consultation process.
In the report the financial and strategic planning process at Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet are described as of ?almost Byzantine complexity? and the dual role of the two Boards, which are legally separate but consist of the same people, are the subject of much criticism. The committee remained unconvinced that the financial responsibilities of the Board were carried out with sufficient professionalism and attention to the circumstances of the company at the time, and stated that ?at no time does its Chief Executive or Chairman seem to have presented it with realistic, water-tight financial plans which would survive rigorous scrutiny.? The committee rejected the Board?s assertion that it was in the best interests of all involved that the future direction of the company should have been considered in private, and described this as having ?caused unnecessary suffering and worry for many people?. The dancers were not informed until hours before the announcement was made, and key staff were not consulted on budgets.
Scottish Arts Council has also been the focus of some criticism for having associated itself with Scottish Ballet?s plans through a supportive public statement when the announcement was first made.
The report concludes that ?the encouragement of wide public consultation on issues of importance such as these is central to the Scottish Arts Council?s role, but SAC?s actions in this case did not measure up to that requirement.? Concern was also expressed about the effect of Scottish Ballet and Scottish Opera having a common Board, which is widely believed to have led to inequitable treatment of the two companies, to the detriment of Scottish Ballet. The committee has recommended that urgent consideration be given to a new Board structure that does not have any common membership apart from the Chair, and which clarifies the position of the Chief Executive. To see the full report w: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk