A FAMILY solicitor has been named as the new chairman of an academy trust hit with damaging allegations of a “culture of fear”.

The Southend East Community Academy Trust has named Karen Dovaston as its new interim chair of trustees, following the resignation of Maurice Sweeting in May.

The trust oversees six schools in Southend including Shoeburyness High School.

It has been mired in controversy since a report by the East of England Local Government Association concluded “on the balance of probabilities”, there was a “culture of fear” which left many employees and volunteers fearing for their roles.

The report was obtained a by the Echo in February, which outlined allegations that chief executive officer Ruth Brock had displayed bullying behaviours to staff and volunteers.

However, the investigator could not find evidence of intentional bullying by Ms Brock, but that her “forcefulness” and “relatively blunt” communications was interpreted as bullying by some.

Ms Dovaston said: “I am fully aware of the challenging times the trust has been through in recent months, and the community will be rightly concerned by the stories they have read.

“I have already spent some time reviewing this situation and meeting with members of staff in the trust’s schools.

“It is clear that communication from the trust has not been as effective as it should have been.

“As a family solicitor, I know how important it is to carefully explain the reason for changes to make sure everyone understands and supports the decisions.

“I will be leading the trust board in overseeing a full review of the trust’s communication processes.

“Not only with its schools, staff and governors, but also with the wider community to make sure the many good things are also celebrated.”

Ms Dovaston also confirmed “positive meetings” had been held with the Regional Schools Commissioner for the East of England.

She added: “While we can’t turn back the clock, and it will take some time to win over hearts and minds, we are confident that the immediate steps we take help to draw a line in the sand.

“We can move forward more positively with the community, and allow us to celebrate the fantastic achievements of our young people.”