Centre chief sacked in rival group row

The director of the National Centre for Independent Living has been
dismissed amid claims that she used the British Council of Disabled
People’s resources to create a rival organisation.

Frances Hasler was dismissed, and several other staff suspended,
after a dispute with the BCODP, of which the centre is a part.

The row between the two organisations, which has now been resolved,
will see the BCODP, which has 130 member groups, vote on proposals
for the creation of a new organisation, the National Association
for Independent Living, at its annual conference in October.

But while the suspended members have been reinstated, Hasler is to
appeal against the decision to dismiss her.