Just to add in the bit about the Daily Mirror. Unfortunately this is fairly standard custom and practice with large corporations.
By bringing individuals back as consultant they are effectively bringing them on board as 'self employed' personnel with no contractual obligation and a shelf life as long as is needed to achieve the task. No pension requirement, no medical cover etc. etc. In the short term it is an excellent way to bolster your managerial staff levels and experience without having to commit to long term contractual obligations.
But that would have been explained by BASSA as well wouldn't it.