The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has upheld “a number” of complaints made by staff regarding harassment and discrimination. Ten complaints were lodged in October 2020, following an independent report which concluded that bullying and harassment had taken place “with impunity”.
The complaints – which included accusations of harassment, victimisation, race discrimination and the management of health and safety issues – were then investigated by independent investigators to ensure that “any unresolved incidents” highlighted in the report were properly addressed.
NCVO did not give the exact number for the complaints upheld as this “would not be appropriate or possible given the individual legal rights of those involved”, adding that where complaints had been upheld, it was following its internal disciplinary procedures.
The chair of trustees and the interim chief executive both apologised and reiterated a commitment to culture change. This includes the provision of a new whistle-blowing service, closer work with the trade union, engagement with conversations and events led by NCVO’s black and ethnic minority staff network, and work with consultants experienced in healing and trust-building in organisations.
