Outgoing Remai chair acknowledges workplace 'concerns' in email to staff

Arecent email from Remai Modern's outgoing board chair confirms that both a city ombudsperson and a hired coaching firm have weighed in on how to make the art museum a better place to work.

Scott Verity, the chair of the museum's board of directors, has not commented on his impending ousting from the board, revealed earlier this week, but an emailobtained by CBC News that he sent to Remai Modern staffers on Feb. 11offers a glimpse into the some of the workplace issues facing the gallery.

"Our [board] goal and commitment is to ensure Remai Modern is a healthy and positive place to work," he wrote to staffers.

Verity wrote that Remai Modern has been the subject of two studies.

One is an "extensive" report based on feedback from the city's in-house ombudsperson, Claudia Hemani.

Verity said the board "seriously considered that report and began the important work of bringing resolution to the concerns that have been raised."

The email did not detail what those "concerns" were.

'Building a healthy workplace'

The second report, an "organizational assessment," was commissioned last fall fromLogiaConsulting, whichdescribes itself as "a leadership consulting and coaching company."

Logia's report included "recommendations for building a healthy workplace at Remai Modern," Verity said.

Some changes have already taken place, Verity added.

A new chief operating officer (COO) position was recently created to help oversee human resource and finance areas.

"We have created the position of COOto work alongside our CEO and leadership team as we imagine and build the Remai Modern of the future," a Remai spokesperson told CBC News earlier this week."Gregory's Burke's departure gave the organization the opportunity to review the executive structure. A need to distinguish between the museum's artistic and operational responsibilities was identified."

Burkeannounced his exit from the museum two months ago.

• Gregory Burke resigns as Remai Modern CEO

Verity said board has also created a new human resources subcommittee that will be chaired by Fatima Coovadia, who is among those poised tostayon the board of directors.

"The people pillar is an important component of our strategic plan recognizing a health team and workplace are absolutely critical to continuing the great momentum you have achieved since we opened," Verity wrote.

Council is grateful to board, says mayor

It's not known why Verity and other board members, whose terms expire in March, have not been asked to stay on.

Five new members have been recommended.

• Shakeup coming on Remai Modern board

Verity has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Mayor Charlie Clark said city council is thankful for the work board members have done to launch Remai Modern.

"As mayor, I have seen the tremendous work that's been done to build and open the beautiful Remai Modern, and council is grateful to the board and everyone who has had a hand in its success.It has been a monumental undertaking to bring the Remai Modern to life," he wrote via email.

"There will be more work ahead as the gallery transitions into a new phase.Together we will build on the gallery's success and ensure that Remai Modern continues to be a preeminent gathering place for our community and the world."

The changes come about a year and a half after Remai Modern's launch in October 2017.

The new makeup of the board will become official at the board's annual general meeting next month, on the heels of Burke's planned March 15 departure.