Breckland DC's chief executive has agreed to 'step back' from the post while an investigation into a 'number of issues' concerning her gets under way. An investigatory panel was convened last week to undertake the preliminary investigation to see if there is a case to answer against Becky Hellard. The council has remained tight-lipped over the situation, but revealed Ms Hellard had not been suspended and remained on full pay. 'It is obviously vital for all concerned that this investigation, which I have instigated, is robust and is not prejudiced in anyway. Therefore, we will not be releasing any details,' said council leader, William Nunn. 'Ms Hellard has not been suspended but has agreed with me that while issues are under investigation, it is appropriate for her to step back from the day-to-day running of the council.' Deputy chief executive Keith Davis will deputise for Ms Hellard pending the outcome of the preliminary investigation. Cllr Nunn added that the process was being carried out with Ms Hellard's co-operation. Ms Hellard has been in post since 2005, after acting chief executive for almost a year, when she took over from Rob Garnett, who took long-term sick leave. At the end of 2005, Ms Hellard and other senior officers were involved in a pay row when the chair of the scrutiny commission raised concerns over the process used to implement a new 'total reward package' incentive scheme. Under the scheme, recommended by a consultant, Ms Hellard and other senior officers received raises amounting to around 5%
