The chief executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), Virginia McVea, is facing allegations of bullying amid mounting controversy over the agency’s decision to end payments to volunteer coastguard rescue officers (CROs) for their response work. The dispute has sparked concerns about the future of volunteer involvement in the agency’s search-and-rescue operations.

The alleged incidents occurred during a meeting on March 10 at the MCA’s Belfast office, where McVea reportedly shouted at staff with such intensity that “there was spittle coming from her mouth,” according to a source familiar with the matter. Following the incident, employees who witnessed her conduct said they were subjected to performance action plans and an unannounced audit of the office, actions critics interpret as efforts to intimidate and discourage formal complaints.

The MCA, which is overseen by the Department for Transport, has faced significant backlash for its recent move to discontinue payments of £11 per hour previously given to volunteers for on-call and training time. This policy change comes after a Court of Appeal ruling earlier this year reclassified volunteer activities as “working,” making them eligible for compensation. The MCA has maintained that ending the payments is necessary to preserve the voluntary nature of the roles and maintain flexibility for volunteers balancing other employment.

However, the shift has prompted warnings that many volunteers may leave the service, potentially jeopardizing the agency’s coastal search-and-rescue capability. Alistair Carmichael, the Member of Parliament for Orkney & Shetland, described the situation as a “crisis of leadership” and cited numerous complaints pointing to “a truly shocking management and a culture of bullying” under McVea’s tenure. Carmichael also alleged that full-time coastguard officers were pressured in private meetings to publicly support the pay cuts or risk their careers, describing an atmosphere of intimidation within the agency.

The MCA employs approximately 3,500 CROs organized into 287 volunteer teams, forming the backbone of the United Kingdom’s maritime rescue operations. Volunteer Sarah Walker, based in Cornwall, expressed concerns that many colleagues would reduce their commitment or leave entirely if payments were withdrawn, emphasizing that while volunteers do not join for financial gain, the compensation helps facilitate their involvement.

Following the March 10 meeting, senior MCA management reportedly instructed staff not to accept complaints from those involved and conducted a surprise audit of the Belfast office. Sources believe these measures were intended to uncover information that could be used against employees considering complaints regarding McVea’s conduct. The MCA and Department for Transport declined to comment on specifics, highlighting ongoing investigations and adherence to confidentiality and due process.

Both organizations affirmed their commitment to policies addressing bullying and harassment and stated that any concerns raised are taken seriously. Meanwhile, the dispute over volunteer pay and leadership issues continues to generate debate about the MCA’s direction and the sustainability of its volunteer-based rescue model.