Trouble in the Waspi camp .
By Wendy Eachus
1 hr · Stretford, United Kingdom
I have kept silent for 2 years and maintained my dignity but I can no longer do so after reading this yesterday. It is from Debbie De Spon and WASPI dont want people to know these true facts
Earlier in the month five out of six members of the WASPI board resigned. These were Susan Beevers the legal director, Jane Cowley campaign director, Angela Madden finance director, Carol Archibald membership/members committee director, and Jane Carolan, the UNISON representative on the Board. Their resignations were because of the behaviour of another director, Anne Keen. This behaviour had been going on for some time and despite several attempts to resolve the multiple issues over an extended period they were unsuccessful. As a result, UNISON has withdrawn its support until it can be satisfied that proper governance has been restored. (Existing arrangements with UNISON at local level may continue).
Debbie resigned her role as Facebook page manager, The Campaign Bookkeeper, Membership Committee Chairperson and Twitter Manager also resigned being unprepared to continue for the same reason. At this point serious concerns were raised by many coordinators about the remaining governance of the Board.
Anne Keen has handpicked people to be put onto the Board and concerns have been raised about the process by which they were voted into position, and their suitability for the posts, as nothing was known about any recruitment or selection process until it was announced.
Local group co-ordinators who questioned things and asked for full transparency have been blocked from the co-ordinators page (including ours) meaning they cannot access the necessary files, or keep their groups informed of up to date information. They have experienced abuse and false accusations and are not able to respond to these. Coordinators remaining in the group and questioning the process are having their posts/threads removed and receiving warnings to conform.
The resigned Board have been instructed by the new team to hand over confidential personal data, funds and membership details and legal information to people who do not have the legal authority to manage such details and about whom there have been complaints. Understandably they are reticent to do this.
Questions have been raised about incorrect expense claims by one Board member and financial impropriety by a previously resigned Board member. Any further investigation into the latter was blocked by Anne Keen.
WASPI PAIN Norfolk Group want the campaign to proceed and for us to be able to promote its integrity and legality. WASPI PAIN group admins, along with many others, have submitted a complaint asking for Anne Keen to resign and if she doesn’t to call for a special resolution for a vote of no confidence in her. We will also ask that the previous board take over to get the campaign back on track. After this a proper democratic process would allow for a new board to be voted for and proper practices followed and verified.
The more complaints submitted the better the chance of an investigation, so if anyone is prepared to e mail a complaint there is a different process for paid up members and general members, so if you would like to contact us at
[email protected] we will give you further information.
Please be assured PAIN was established long before joining forces with WASPI and we shall continue campaigning for justice for 50s women regardless.
Thank you
WASPI PAIN NORFOLK Admin Group