Mental-health chief quits after inquiry

John Archer, former chief executive of Pennine Care mental-health trust

Secret concerns over £175,000 a year boss
THE £175,000 a-year boss of Pennine Care mental-health trust has resigned and retired at the end of a seven-month investigation into concerns involving him.

Chief Executive John Archer was absent from work for five months during the inquiry. Officials of the trust - which runs mental health services across Oldham - refused to reveal what their concerns were or give details of the investigation. The trust confirmed Mr Archer received no additional payment on his resignation. His decision to resign and retire was “a personal matter”.

A Pennine Care spokesperson said: “Mr Archer was absent from November 2012 to April 2013 while this took place. The details are confidential. This matter is of no detriment to the safety of services or quality of care provided to patients.”

Deputy chief and finance director Martin Roe has assumed the role of acting chief executive until a new chief is appointed. Former government health adviser Mr Archer had been chief executive for 11 years.