Bozena Allen, the suspended head of North East Lincolnshire's social services department, is to step down next month after nine months of uncertainty about her future.

Allen was suspended on full pay in July pending a disciplinary hearing following a critical report on the transfer of people with dementia from a council-run home to a private unit. Four died shortly after the move (News, 24-30 July 1997).

The council says Allen's employment is to be terminated 'by mutual consent' at the beginning of April as a result of a review of the department's senior management structure. A council investigation into management problems following the four deaths is to be abandoned.

'By the agreement reached, neither party admits liability in respect of any of the issues raised in the investigation. The council and Mrs Allen now wish to move forward, Mrs Allen in pursuit of her career and the council in pursuit of efficient delivery of services,' the council said in a statement.

Chief executive designate Roy Bentham said Allen accepted voluntary redundancy as part of the council's restructuring, which will also see the social services department's structure slimmed down, with a move from three to two assistant directors.

'In light of Bozena Allen's request for voluntary redundancy, the investigation is now being terminated,' Bentham said. 'There were some disciplinary issues surrounding that which will cease to be, because the officer has requested voluntary redundancy.'

Allen joined North East Lincolnshire from Bradford Council in November 1995 before it started as a unitary authority in 1996.

Peter Hay, who has been acting head of social services, is to continue until a new head is appointed. Mike Walter, head of the council's legal department, said the remit of the head of social services had yet to be considered by the social services committee.

The council hopes to save £34,000 a year through the review of the senior management structure.

By Marcia White