The rearranged disciplinary hearing relating to former ACCA Deputy-President, Ray Gardiner, is set for 28th and 29th November 2000.

The reasons for this hearing are not clear.  On 5th July 1999, ACCA President John Brockwell informed Austin Mitchell MP that "ACCA's Council gave careful consideration to the course of action it should take with respect to Ray Gardiner, including the possibility of disciplinary action being brought against him. It decided that disciplinary action was inappropriate".

Under the Human Rights Act 1998 ACCA is considered to be a 'public body'. Its disciplinary hearings are treated as courts, tribunals and quasi-courts.  Article 6 of the Act requires that "everyone is entitled to a fair and public hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial tribunal ....". It is unlikely that Gardiner will get a fair hearing. The case against him has been made by the Officers of ACCA, its council members and the chief executive. The membership of the disciplinary panel and its Chair has been fixed by the same officials. Gardiner is unlikely to get access to the 'internal' documents to prepare his defence. He should call ACCA officeholders, chief executive and council members as witnesses. He should also ask others, who have come across the vindictive practice of ACCA leadership, as witnesses.