Executive's HR boss was once sacked for bullying

Senior officials at the Executive were not aware when she was given the 80,000-plus post that their human resources head, Susan Beevers, had been sacked from a previous job in 2002 after allegations of intimidation and harassment

A spokeswoman said: "The Executive is aware of this now, but was not necessarily aware of this when she was first appointed."

Until her suspension, Ms Beevers was in overall charge of personnel matters for 4,500 civil servants. She was also in charge of a multi-million-pound human resources computer program which has sparked controversy. The computer contract is behind time, over-budget and subject to a review which could lead to its cancellation.

Almost two years into the implementation programme, it is understood that it has already cost more than 8 million, the figure the new project was supposed to contribute to efficiency savings.

Ms Beevers, who is in her 50s, was suspended earlier this month pending a separate investigation into allegations of misconduct. She worked from 1999 to 2002 for a Nottingham firm making automotive products.

Two colleagues resigned from the firm claiming harassment and several others testified against her in a report. She was sacked after she walked out of a disciplinary meeting and later lost a claim for unfair dismissal at an Employment Tribunal.