An internal review at the National Railway Museum (NRM) in York has concluded that allegations of nepotism made in local press reports concerning a senior member of staff are unfounded.
In August, the Yorkshire Post reported that the husband of Helen Ashby, head of knowledge and collections, received more than £25,000 from 2008 to 2012 for museum-related work, including £16,000 to drive an engine in a museum production of The Railway Children.
“Adrian Ashby was also given a contract to work on restoring the world-famous Flying Scotsman for which the NRM can find no supporting paperwork,” reported the Yorkshire Post.
A museum press statement said that during the review, the audit team examined invoices and discussed the procurement process with the commissioning officers.
“We have found no evidence of impropriety or evidence that this work was awarded to Mr Ashby due to the influence of his wife,” the report concluded.The museum plans to provide staff training on the code of conduct and conflict of interests.
In August, the Yorkshire Post reported that the husband of Helen Ashby, head of knowledge and collections, received more than £25,000 from 2008 to 2012 for museum-related work, including £16,000 to drive an engine in a museum production of The Railway Children.
“Adrian Ashby was also given a contract to work on restoring the world-famous Flying Scotsman for which the NRM can find no supporting paperwork,” reported the Yorkshire Post.
A museum press statement said that during the review, the audit team examined invoices and discussed the procurement process with the commissioning officers.
“We have found no evidence of impropriety or evidence that this work was awarded to Mr Ashby due to the influence of his wife,” the report concluded.The museum plans to provide staff training on the code of conduct and conflict of interests.