Charity worker wins compensation after blowing whistle on bullying

A former manager of a charity for blind children is to be awarded compensation after blowing the whistle on alleged staff bullying.

The Royal London Society for the Blind (RLSB), located in Kent, conceded legal liability on all six claims brought by Tebiena Martin at an employment tribunal in Ashford. They included unfair dismissal and whistle-blowing, but it denied there had been any bullying or harassment. It is the second such case the charity has faced within a year.

Martin worked at the RLSB for seven years, but alleged that in the latter part of her time there, she and a number of other staff were bullied by a senior officer. She is the second member of staff to have voiced concerns about the running of the charity.

Last year, a former personnel manager won his case of unfair dismissal, while 18 months ago, a trustee resigned, citing failings in an inquiry into bullying.

The chairman of the charity's college also resigned after concerns over "elements of fear and intimidation".

However, the RLSB says it conceded liability because it did not want to spend any more public money on legal costs.

By Mike Berry