Dorset Waste Partnership director dismissed

And Karyn Punchard, interim director of the Partnership, is expected to remain in the position until a successor can be appointed.

Mr Burdis was ‘temporarily’ suspended in early 2015 following revelations that waste and recycling services for the seven Dorset partner councils were over budget.

There had been problems on a number of fronts including the suitability of vehicles sizes for country lanes. Unbudgeted costs included a £500,000 overspend on operational staffing costs and agency fees.

However, some observers felt that Mr Burdis had faced difficulties in communications with some local authorities and that there were already stresses and strains within the Partnership.

A Partnership spokesman confirmed today (22 March) that a panel convened earlier this month (8 March) to hear an appeal against his dismissal.

The spokesman said: “Mr Burdis’s appeal was dismissed by the panel. The council’s disciplinary and appeal procedures have now been concluded. Interim arrangements around the Dorset Waste Partnership’s senior management team will remain in place until a successor has been appointed.”

Ms Punchard, who previously served as Streetscene manager of the Partnership, was appointed as interim director in September 2015 following a period of restructuring.

The Partnership has since seen significant restructuring designed to reduce costs. The Partnership is not a separate legal body. It is hosted by one of its partners, Dorset county council, which employs its staff and provides its support services.

As of last month, Dorset looked set to end the 2015/16 financial year with a reduced overspend of £356,000 – with some costs offset by fuel price, contract inflation and vehicle lease costs (see letsrecycle.com story).

Burdis

Mr Burdis previously served as head of waste management for Dorset county council before becoming director of the Partnership in 2011.

He is also a former chair of the National Association of Waste Disposal Officers, and was a key architect in designing the Shropshire Waste Partnership prior to his work in Dorset.

It is understood Mr Burdis could now leave Dorset and return to his roots in northern England.