An independent investigation into allegations against him by former chief executive Fiona de Jong has found him not guilty of bullying, but guilty of "disreputable conduct", prompting a severe reprimand.

But while the panel investigates other complaints against Tancred, he will remain stood down.

Tancred became an issue during the recent, testy tussle for the AOC presidency, in which John Coates was challenged for the job for the first time in his 27 years by businesswoman Danni Roche, but survived.

Tancred was, and is, close to Coates. During the campaign, it emerged that several AOC staff had made formal and informal complaints to Coates about Tancred's behaviour. They included de Jong, who was incensed to be accused of leaking, and said so to Coates.

Soon afterwards, she says, Tancred rang to say: "Fiona, withdraw the complaint or I will bury you." She said this was followed by personal abuse at a level she had not seen or heard before.

Last month, just before the election, the AOC resolved to have her's and others' charges investigated independently, by two former High Court judges, Ian Callinan and Susan Crennan, and former Supreme Court judge Greg James. They were given a month to arrive at a verdict on Ms de Jong's accusation.

Their finding was that Tancred's behaviour "did not rise to the level of bullying because it was not repetitive". But it was disreputable conduct. Tancred's reprimand is to form part of his employment record.

Ms de Jong said she had no comment. Tancred could not be reached.

Separately, the AOC is conducting an internal inquiry into its culture. "The AOC continues to support an environment free from discrimination, harassment and bullying," it said in a statement, "and will not tolerate behaviours that differ from this standard."