Ok folks, here is the scoop.....
At the weekend I sent a Freedo of Information request to the Charities Commision and the HLF to request such details as we may be entitled to. I also, as a matter of courtesy copied in the
PR company for TVOC and to Rusty Drewett.
To my amazement, Dr Pleming called me on Monday evening and we chatted for about an hour or so. I put all of the points to him that have been raised on this forum and he gave me the benefit of his opinions and gave substantive answers to most of the questions posed.
Some of the responses he gave were in confidence due to commercial issues and also some could be deemed as legally priviledged as they refer to various confidential arrangements.
I won't disclose those points as I gave my word they would remain confidential.
I work in the legal profession and having listened to the answers I was given I would agree with Dr Pleming on the requirement for confidentiality on those points and I am sure they will not and should not ever see the light of day. All I can say publicly is that if you know what I was advised, and you accept it, you would be of the opinion as I am, that whilst there may be some serious communications issues there is no impropriety whatsoever and the actions taken by TVOC in respect of the day to day running of the trust and their statutory obligations are correct.
Dr Pleming was kind enough to invite suggestions on how to improve the communications and said he would take on board on suggestions I may wish to make and discuss them with the trustees and colleagues alike.
I don't want this to be just my opinions and it would seem appropriate for anyone who has a practical and workable suggestion as to how to improve communications and disclosure, please contact me and I will consolidate them all into one email to Dr Pleming for his consideration and report back on any responses that don't breach confidentiality.
My conclusions at the end of my chat with Dr Pleming were that the TVOC has made proper decisions as to its statutory obligations, there does seem to be some substantive progress and improvements in their position and that with the right communications in place anyone who longs to see 558 fly again would be sufficiently re-assured to continue supporting the project.
I can't and wont elaborate on what was explained to me but having been ultra sceptical at times I am re-assured. Please PM me any thoughts or ideas and I will make sure they are passed on expeditiously.
Finally, a thank you to Dr Pleming for responding so quickly and it shows that they do take their obligations seriously, despite poor
PR and appearances. Well done that man.