IoR and Graeme Fox settle differences
16th January 2025
UK: The Institute of Refrigeration and past president Graeme Fox have settled their differences and prevented a possible vote of no confidence in the IoR’s board.
Following a mediation meeting in December, the IoR board of trustees has issued a statement that the parties involved had a “very constructive and positive discussion” and looked forward to “working collaboratively” going forward.
The long-running dispute over the alleged behaviour of current IoR president, then president-elect, Lisa-Jayne Cook at the last IoR dinner in February, led to the exclusion of then president Graeme Fox and his eventual resignation.
The issue, which had already cost the IoR £32,000 in solicitors fees, came to a head at the Institute’s AGM in November when members staved off a vote of no confidence in CEO Miriam Rodway and the board of trustees by voting for mediation.
A statement issued yesterday by the IoR board of trustees said:
“Mr Fox has acknowledged and apologised for comments made which caused significant distress to the CEO, and concern to the Board of Trustees, and which he accepts were unhelpful in bringing their dispute to a successful conclusion. The Board of Trustees have acknowledged and apologised for their treatment of Mr Fox in relation to him raising serious concerns that he had earlier in the year, which they accept exacerbated the situation at the time and caused Mr Fox significant distress.
“Both sides look forward to rebuilding the working relationship which had previously been positive and productive and the IOR looks forward to benefitting once more from Mr Fox’s significant contributions to the wider sector as well as the work of the Institute itself.”
Related stories:
Members push for mediation in IoR dispute – 6 November 2024
UK: Members of the Institute of Refrigeration have voted for mediation in the ongoing dispute between ex-president Graeme Fox and the board of trustees, which has already cost £32,000. Read more…
IoR members face constitutional vote – 13 October 2024
UK: The Institute of Refrigeration is proposing changes to its constitution which would take away members’ current rights to vote on matters relating to the removal of a board trustee. Read more…
Graeme Fox resigns as IoR president – 21 September 2024
UK: Graeme Fox has announced his resignation as president of the Institute of Refrigeration, citing “undemocratic” procedures, “double standards” and “disrespect” from certain trustees and CEO, Miriam Rodway. Read more…
