Morale among teachers and support staff at Bermuda College has hit an all time low, brought on by poor leadership and a lack of respect, The Royal Gazette has been told.

The uncertain management structure and lack of direction have led to a number of complaints by staff across the board, and a growing trend of unhappiness on campus.

Union representatives at the college confirmed they had received a number of complaints from members of staff and, as a result, meetings have been held with the college branch of the Bermuda Public Services Association (BPSA) in a bid to appease the workers and create a better working atmosphere.

But workers claim they believed the discontentment and "fear factor'' would continue until a new president was put in place.

Staff are complaining they: Are given little or no direction; have no input or voice in decision making; are undervalued and shown no respect; have become fearful for their jobs.

One worker, who did not wish to be named, said: "People are very unhappy, both the faculty and support staff.

"They feel they are not being listened to and are not treated as professionals.

"The staff here really want to work for the college and really want what is best for the students and country, but there is no longer a community and family atmosphere.

"They simply feel disconnected.'' And they continued: "People are scared to speak out. Morale is very low and everyone is watching their backs.

"People here need to be motivated and need to feel they are appreciated -- but they simply don't.'' It is claimed that staff do not understand why the governing board is bringing in an interim president to replace retired president Dr. George Cook, instead of just looking for a permanent president to take over.

The source said staff wanted to see an experienced, competent president in place as soon as possible.

The college announced last week that the Ministry of Education and the college board of governors were working together over the next few months to conduct a search for an interim president for a fixed three-year contract.

However, about one year into the post, they will begin an extensive search for a permanent college president, who will be appointed as designate president at least 18 months prior to the expiry of the interim president's position.

It is intended that a suitably qualified and experienced Bermudian will be appointed as designate president.

In the meantime, acting president Dr. Larita Alford, who is Bermudian, will continue in her role until somebody is appointed. She started working at the college last year as vice president after spending many years in education overseas.

There have been many changes in college management in recent months.

Vice president Dr. Donald Peters left the college last summer. President Dr.

George Cook retired from his role earlier this year, with Cabinet Minister without portfolio Randy Horton resigning as chairman of the board around the same time.

College staff suffering low morale The newly appointed board chairman Jan Spiering said he was aware of the poor morale, but said he was sure once the top position had been filled, the college would get back on track.

And he said he realised that having an acting president and an under-manned executive team was part of the problem.

He added: "It's our intention to find someone as quickly as we can, but finding someone for this position is not something that can happen all that quickly.'' However, he said the executive board had his full support and he believed they were doing a good job under the circumstances.

Mr. Spiering added: "I am happy with the leadership at the moment and have faith in them.'' And he said he felt some sympathy for Dr. Alford because being in an acting position was never easy.

He said: "There is a lot of stress placed on people in acting capacities.

"Until such time as we get a new president in place, we will have an executive that is not fully manned.

He said there were regular staff forums where all workers could raise queries, voice concerns and opinions.

And he said he disputed there was a `fear factor' at the college.

He said: "We have regular forums and people have the opportunity to raise queries. Issues are raised at the forum - they (staff) are extremely to the point.

"If people don't wish to voice them, they can make written submissions to me.'' He said the management and board, like the staff, wanted what was best for the college and was working towards it.

He said: "The intention is to ensure that the college is responsive to all stake holders.

"We want to make sure it's an efficiently run organisation that provides value for money to the tax payer. We have to move with the times.''