Latest news with #MartinGill
ABC News
22-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Queenscliffe CEO Martin Gill given formal warning after 'likely' breaching rules over his performance appraisal
The CEO of Victoria's smallest council has escaped prosecution for "likely" breaching the Local Government Act, following an investigation by the state's council watchdog into conflict of interest allegations. Borough of Queenscliffe CEO Martin Gill was this month handed a formal warning by the Local Government Inspectorate, following his handling of a councillor's Notice of Motion (NOM) relating to his own CEO performance appraisal in March of last year. It is understood at least one complaint was lodged with the Inspectorate after Mr Gill directly communicated with councillors about the move to consider how his performance appraisal was approached. A letter from the Inspectorate, seen by the ABC, noted the investigation "found that Mr Gill likely breached the Act by engaging in email communication about the NOM". The document, signed by Inspector of Municipal Administration Aida Rejzovic, noted the Inspectorate had decided against prosecuting the "likely" breach of the act. "Upon considering the seriousness of the offence, any mitigating or aggravating circumstances, the availability and efficacy of any alternatives to prosecution, the use of public funds in seeking prosecution, it was determined that, in this instance, the public interest is not best served by prosecuting this case," Ms Rejzovic noted. "The Inspectorate concluded that, on this occasion, a formal warning is an appropriate course of action." Ms Rejzovic wrote that she expected Mr Gill to "take this decision seriously in carrying out his duties and serving the community". "Any future action of similar nature may be treated differently and may ultimately result in charges being brought against Mr Gill," she said. Responding to questions from the ABC, Mr Gill said he "accepted" the conclusion of the Inspectorate. "I made the mistake of providing some initial advice to a councillor on a proposed Notice of Motion, before recognising the potential conflict," Mr Gill said. Mr Gill also said communication he had received from the Inspectorate noted his "cooperation and proactive measures upon recognising the conflict of interest played a part in this decision". A statement from the Borough of Queenscliffe suggested no further action would be taken against Mr Gill. "The appropriate authority, independent of Council, being the Local Government Inspectorate, has carried out an investigation and made its determination, and Council will respect the independence and authority of that body and regard the formal warning as the appropriate response to the matters considered. "Beyond that, Council will not be commenting." The Inspectorate's formal warning comes after the ABC in January revealed Mr Gill had faced a separate investigation into allegations he had threatened to "take apart" a councillor. It is understood the borough investigated allegations Mr Gill made verbal threats to then-councillor Michael Grout in late 2024, with at least two formal complaints lodged by councillors. "He did say that he 'could take me apart whenever he wanted', in a very aggressive manner," Mr Grout said. "In 50 years of working I've never experienced a direct threat like that before." "I had decided about a month earlier that I wouldn't run again, and I based that decision on the constant frustration with having to work with an underperforming administration in a bad culture … at times it was toxic." The borough has declined to comment on the investigation and any potential outcomes. Mr Grout decided not to recontest election to the council last year due to concerns over a "toxic culture", which followed the resignation of councillor Fleur Hewitt in May 2023. Queenscliffe is Australia's last remaining borough, and the smallest and least populated of Victoria's 79 local government areas — measuring just 8.6 square kilometres and home to 3,238 people. It also barely survived the amalgamation of councils in the early 90s. It includes the suburb of Queenscliff, defence land on Swan Island, and about two thirds of Point Lonsdale — with neighbours on the east side of Fellows Road part of the borough, and those on the west in the City of Greater Geelong.
Associated Press
03-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Forrester Announces Full Agenda For CX Summit EMEA 2025
Forrester (Nasdaq: FORR) today announced the full conference agenda for its CX Summit EMEA event, scheduled to take place in London and digitally on June 2–4, 2025. In today's competitive market, customers expect consistent and personalised experiences across every interaction. To meet these expectations, leaders must focus on several key initiatives, including delivering data-driven personalisation, implementing effective measurement tools, and leveraging technology to drive meaningful engagement throughout the entire customer lifecycle. This year's event theme, 'The Total Experience: Your Brand, Their Journey,' delivers innovative insights and practical tools to help customer experience (CX), B2C marketing, and digital leaders build a comprehensive CX strategy that not only drives customer satisfaction and loyalty but also contributes to increased revenue and brand reputation. Attendees at CX Summit EMEA will gain valuable insights through keynote presentations, case studies, and interactive breakout sessions. Featuring the latest research themes and frameworks, noteworthy keynotes and sessions include: Brand + CX Powers Growth. This keynote unveils Forrester's total experience score: a new measurement framework that evaluates both brand and customer experience. Attendees will learn how an integrated strategy can increase revenue up to 3.5x. Design For The Future Of Experiences. This keynote explores how digital experiences are evolving to become more humanlike, intuitive, and empowering. Attendees will discover practical tools to build their own capabilities for delivering advanced customer experiences. Navigate The Culture Risks Of Metrics. In this keynote, attendees will hear how metrics shape organisational culture and behaviours, identify and address harmful measurement practices, and learn how to strategically build a culture that aligns with business goals for sustained growth. Lead And Master Change. This keynote details how leaders can elevate their change leadership skills and provides strategies to survive and thrive in a state of continuous disruption and transformation. Build Customer Trust In AI. In this session, attendees will learn what drives customer trust in AI, gain insights from successful AI implementations, and discover how to integrate trustworthy practices into their AI strategies. 'Aligning brand and customer experience empowers businesses to build trust, enhance loyalty, and drive revenue growth,' said Martin Gill, VP and research director at Forrester. 'However, this is an endeavour that requires a holistic approach: fostering collaboration across departments, delivering consistent interactions that inspire trust and loyalty, and balancing data insights with human touch. CX Summit EMEA will equip attendees with the capabilities, tools, and actionable insights to deliver experiences that optimise the entire customer lifecycle.' The event also features unique workshops and tailored programmes to engage attendees in hands-on learning, including the Executive Leadership Exchange, an invitation-only programme for CX executives; the Forrester Women's Leadership Programme, focused on empowering women in leadership roles; and interactive sessions on CX certification and skill building. In addition, CX Summit EMEA will honour the recipient of Forrester's 2025 Customer-Obsessed Enterprise Award for EMEA, which recognises companies that drive business success by putting customers at the centre of their leadership strategy and operations. About Forrester Forrester (Nasdaq: FORR) is one of the most influential research and advisory firms in the world. We empower leaders in technology, customer experience, digital, marketing, sales, and product functions to be bold at work and accelerate growth through customer obsession. Our unique research and continuous guidance model helps executives and their teams achieve their initiatives and outcomes faster and with confidence. To learn more, visit SOURCE: Forrester Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 03/03/2025 05:00 AM/DISC: 03/03/2025 05:00 AM
