Ombudsman Arlene Brock has recommended that the director of Bermuda Archives be moved to a less front line role after an eight-month investigation which found evidence of maladministration.

Ms Brock told a press conference today that she believes Karla Hayward ought to focus on the modern records section at the Archives, which she said could mean less contact with staff and users.

The recommendation is one of a series made by Ms Brock in her 162-page report on the Archives, which was tabled in the House of Assembly on Friday.

Ms Brock said today: “This report shines a light on the Archives which some people believe is long overdue. Although not on many people’s radar, the Archives are a key national institution in any country.”

A lengthy rebuttal from Ms Hayward is included in the report, with many paragraphs omitted by Ms Brock because she said they contained “adverse statements” about people.

Ms Hayward says in her response that while she does not dispute many of the Ombudsman’s recommendations, she does “feel that the report contains personal and professional character assassinations”.

See tomorrow’s edition of The Royal Gazette for the full story.