The people of Inverclyde deserve to know why they have been deprived unexpectedly of the services of an outstanding public servant. Everyone who has worked with Ian Fraser, corporate director of education and social care, knows him as a man of integrity, industry and infinite concern for children, young people, parents and staff. They value him as a leader who inspired others to achieve the best for the most vulnerable children and young people.

Of course, integrity, industry and leadership are not enough in public service - we also rightly expect accountability. Ian has worked with his colleagues in education and social work to achieve externally-validated success in the delivery of services - in a council area which has previously struggled to gain such recognition. The recent HMIE reports on schools tell their own story of improvement. Its inspection of child protection, published in January 2009, judged Inverclyde to be the best- performing service in Scotland.

Voters in Inverclyde will want to know which, if any, of their elected members were consulted on the decision to suspend.

Jeannie Mackenzie, Gateside Place, Kilbarchan, Johnston.