A senior NHS clinical director has been awarded almost £450,000 in compensation after an employment tribunal ruled he was unfairly dismissed and subjected to race discrimination.
'Laughable' Allegations and a Flawed Process
Professor Tanweer Ahmed, a Muslim of Pakistani background in his late 50s, was dismissed from the United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust following historical bullying allegations made by a researcher in June 2018. The tribunal, held in Nottingham, heard the claims from Helen Ayre were based heavily on hearsay from former colleagues and dated back years. One allegation suggested Prof Ahmed told Ms Ayre she was not allowed to get pregnant during a meeting.
An investigation by Jennie Negus did not begin until early 2019, nearly a year later. Her report did not recommend disciplinary action, instead suggesting a development plan, a conclusion supported by Prof Ahmed's line manager, Dr Neil Hepburn. However, the Trust's Director of HR, Martin Rayson, directed the matter to a disciplinary hearing without being asked to explain this decision.
'Playing the Race Card' Comment Proves Damning
During the process, Prof Ahmed, who had 16 years of service and an unblemished record, suggested the investigation was motivated by his race. In response, Mr Rayson stated in an email, "Tanweer will play the race card I suspect." The tribunal found this comment highly significant.
Employment Judge Victoria Butler noted there was no explanation for the "leap" from the investigation's findings to calling a disciplinary hearing. "Given this, we cannot conclude that race was not a factor," she stated. The judge also criticised the hearing's format, saying it indicated the Trust had already decided management witnesses were telling the truth, making "the playing field... far from even."
Substantial Compensation Awarded for Multiple Failings
Professor Ahmed, who was the £100,000-a-year senior clinical director and chair of the BAME staff network, sued for race discrimination, victimisation, and unfair dismissal. He was signed off with stress in May 2019 and later raised a whistleblowing complaint about discrimination.
Despite a witness describing the allegations against him as "laughable," he was sacked in June 2019 after Dr Hepburn ruled he had displayed a pattern of bullying. The tribunal identified "so many" and "glaring flaws" in the Trust's investigation and dismissal process.
An initial award of over £250,000 earlier this year has now been increased to a total of £449,548. The ruling highlights profound concerns about procedural fairness and racial bias within the NHS trust's handling of the case.
