The Equality and Human Rights Commission has closed an investigation into numerous complaints against its chairwoman Kishwer Falkner, after an independent review was ordered by Kemi Badenoch.
In May, EHRC employees were said to have compiled a dossier setting out around 40 complaints about Baroness Falkner by 12 current and former colleagues.
Some staff said that Falkner was the victim of a “witch-hunt” and the complaints made against her were described as “ideologically motivated” because of the chairwoman’s stance on protecting the rights of biological women in single-sex spaces.
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Badenoch, minister for women and equalities, ordered an investigation in July by an independent legal expert to review how the complaints were being handled.
Leaks to Channel 4 News had revealed that the complaints alleged bullying, harassment and a “toxic culture” at the EHRC.
The EHRC said it co-operated fully with the independent review and its interim deputy chair Lesley Sawers, supported by the board, decided that the investigation into Falkner should now close. The EHRC said the board will work through any outstanding issues with all parties in confidence and conduct a full review of “process failures which occurred” and its own rules and governance.
Sawers said: “As a board, we are deeply committed to learning and taking forward actions to ensure the swift and proper handling of complaints in the future. We want to move forward as a strong and united organisation, to deliver our ambitious agenda as Britain’s equality regulator.”
Falkner said: “I am grateful to see an end to this investigation into unsubstantiated claims against me. I am also particularly grateful for the support and encouragement I have received since the investigation into allegations against me was first disclosed. I have relished public service all my life and continue to do so with vigour and determination.”
She added: “I want to reassure our staff, our stakeholders and members of the public that we will learn lessons from the events that led up to this review and commit to making all necessary improvements.
“The organisation has been going through a transformation programme, to take clearer and more measurable action as the country’s regulator of equality law. Our staff are the most important element of achieving this change. I am proud that most have embraced the journey with a clear-eyed focus on the end goal – becoming the trusted equality regulator that serves everyone.”
Last week, the employment tribunal dismissed a claim brought by a former EHRC staff member who alleged race discrimination and unfair dismissal. In a statement, the EHRC said: “We strongly denied any wrongdoing and several damaging and baseless claims were made against the commission, individual members of staff and the board. The commission had a strong and evidenced case to defend all allegations.
“Following cross-examination by our counsel, the claimant unconditionally withdrew their claim, and the case was immediately dismissed without our witnesses being called to give evidence.”
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