The Northern Ireland Department for Culture Arts and Leisure (Dcal) is investigating the circumstances of "a serious breach of procedure" by former National Museums Northern Ireland (NMNI) chief executive Tim Cooke, who resigned last November for personal reasons.
A spokeswoman for Dcal said: "Dcal can confirm that the chief executive of NMNI tendered his resignation on 25 November 2014.
"Dcal has commenced an investigation into the issues understood to have been behind his resignation and this is ongoing."
An NMNI spokeswoman said: "An internal investigation was being initiated following an allegation of a serious breach of procedure by Cooke.
"As a result Cooke resigned on 25 November. Dcal officials have initiated an investigation into the circumstances of the matter.
"NMNI is currently in the process of appointing an acting director and chief executive in advance of the position being filled permanently.
"There will be no further comment at this time.”
Museums Journal understands that the matter relates to an application for study leave.
A source close to Tim Cooke said: "Tim provided NMNI with a full and transparent explanation of his approach to an application for study leave.
“His decision to step down after 11 years was an entirely personal one made for a range of reasons."
The source said that Cooke had not been informed of the terms of any investigation by Dcal or NMNI.
Cooke declined to comment.
Links
News analysis: Northern Ireland chief paints a 'bleak' future
Update
07.01.2014
This article has been updated to include comment from a source close to Tim Cooke and a statement from Dcal.
A spokeswoman for Dcal said: "Dcal can confirm that the chief executive of NMNI tendered his resignation on 25 November 2014.
"Dcal has commenced an investigation into the issues understood to have been behind his resignation and this is ongoing."
An NMNI spokeswoman said: "An internal investigation was being initiated following an allegation of a serious breach of procedure by Cooke.
"As a result Cooke resigned on 25 November. Dcal officials have initiated an investigation into the circumstances of the matter.
"NMNI is currently in the process of appointing an acting director and chief executive in advance of the position being filled permanently.
"There will be no further comment at this time.”
Museums Journal understands that the matter relates to an application for study leave.
A source close to Tim Cooke said: "Tim provided NMNI with a full and transparent explanation of his approach to an application for study leave.
“His decision to step down after 11 years was an entirely personal one made for a range of reasons."
The source said that Cooke had not been informed of the terms of any investigation by Dcal or NMNI.
Cooke declined to comment.
Links
News analysis: Northern Ireland chief paints a 'bleak' future
Update
07.01.2014
This article has been updated to include comment from a source close to Tim Cooke and a statement from Dcal.
