The East End of London is probably better known for its dodgy geezers than its contribution to the world of education.
So perhaps it should have come as no surprise when Andrew Malaulo, senior accountant of the Workers’ Educational Association in the Krays’ old stamping ground of Bethnal Green, came a cropper when he siphoned off pound;387,500 of the charity’s income.
The cash was recovered, but millions of pounds were lost in the chaos which followed his unorthodox contribution to the charity’s financial management.
In its centenary year, the WEA is on the mend, with the help of London East Learning and Skills Council.
But in the meantime, there’s a little business to take care of which isn’t for the squeamish. When it comes to balancing the books, people get hurt.
The task will fall to the new general secretary.
One of my friends, who would have been a dead cert for the shortlist for the job, says he decided not to apply.
“I don’t want to a job which involves making a lot of people redundant,” he said, ominously.
