An independent investigation at Barnardo’s has found racist and discriminatory behaviour in the charity’s fundraising department and a failure in the department’s leadership to adequately address this.
The investigation arose when an employee made allegations of serious racist behaviour during their exit interview in early 2020. Barnardo’s immediately appointed an external independent investigator to conduct a thorough investigation. The investigation concluded in late 2020 and made a number of recommendations that Barnardo’s could take to improve its capability and approach in order to restore trust and confidence.
As a result of the investigation’s conclusions the charity is “taking decisive action”. It has begun to implement the recommendations and is also examining all available evidence relating to individuals to ensure that formal action is taken wherever justified. As a result of that review, some members of staff are now under formal independent disciplinary investigation.
