A QUANGO boss has issued a rock star-style list of demands for his taxpayer-funded trips — including sustainable sandwiches and an early finish on Fridays.
Environment Agency boss Philip Duffy, who earns £175,000 a year, insists on a 10am start as he “is not an early bird”.
Quango boss Philip Duffy, who is funded by YOU, insists on a 10am start and ‘sustainable sandwiches’
Duffy, pictured on the right, is said to have a 2pm finish on Fridays
The four-page rider, titled Organising a visit for Philip Duffy CEO, was issued by his personal adviser ahead of regional meetings.
It states the London-based CEO wants to be back in the capital no later than 6pm Monday to Thursday with a 2pm finish on Fridays.
Senior managers are told the boss likes to “keep sessions short and snappy, no longer than one hour”.
It warns them: “Don’t feel like you must fill the whole day if it’s not necessary — Philip will be grateful to get home early!”
The list, in which he also demands fresh PPE for site visits, is sent ahead to area directors and managers.
Staff arranging the official visits also have an in-joke about a request for “sustainable sandwiches”.
Although Mr Duffy has no dietary requirements, the crib sheet states: “Please consider vegetarian option with plastic-free packaging to meet our environmental objectives.”
A worker at the agency told The Sun: “Everyone had a good laugh at that one. It’s hard enough sorting butties for ourselves, especially when you’re out on a remote site, let alone sourcing sustainable sandwiches.”
On the crib sheet, Mr Duffy’s adviser requests that PPE be made available for his boss so he does not have to cart his own gear around.
It even gives his sizes, stating: “He is a size L jacket and size 11 foot.”
The source added: “It’s ridiculous. Presumably, he dislikes carrying his own gear on the train. Why can’t he just throw some stuff in a rucksack?
“I carry my PPE in a bag, my manager does, my area manager does. What a waste of money.”
Career civil servant Mr Duffy was appointed head of the Environment Agency — which has an annual budget of £2billion and employs more than 12,000 people — in July 2023.
William Yarwood, media campaign manager at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “This is yet another example of a work-shy quango boss who seems to care more about himself than delivering anything of worth.”
‘WORK-SHY’
Yesterday, an Environment Agency spokesperson insisted Mr Duffy had not been aware of the crib sheet and did not agree to its contents.
They claimed he frequently started his working day at 7am and often attended evening events.
They also said sustainable sarnies and the stocking of PPE for visitors were standard across agency sites.
The spokesperson said: “Philip has been central to leading change in the Environment Agency, making it a more efficient organisation that protects the environment and helps unlock sustainable development for the good of the country.
“Philip meets EA staff at all levels, and it’s important he goes on visits to see their work in action.”
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