Ted Baker revamps HR policies after sexual harassment investigation

Ted Baker is bolstering its HR policies to ensure acceptable workplace conduct following an investigation into “forced hugging” and other allegations of inappropriate behaviour by its founder.

The fashion retailer said an independent investigation into alleged misconduct by former CEO Ray Kelvin, who resigned in March following allegations that he had kissed employees’ ears and had “always wanted a hug from every member of staff”, found the company’s HR policies and procedures needed to align with “current best practice”.

In statement, Ted Baker said law firm Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF), which conducted the investigation, interviewed current and former employees and identified “several areas of improvement” – the details of which have not yet been made public.

It said the action being taken included:

• maintaining an independent and confidential whistleblowing hotline for staff to raise complaints of harassment or inappropriate behaviour
• retraining all staff on HR policies and procedures and acceptable workplace conduct, and
• enhancing the board’s oversight of people and culture matters with a designated non-executive director for engagement.

“We are determined to learn from this process and, moving forward, cultivate a better environment for all employees where they always feel respected and valued,” said executive chairman David Bernstein.

“We are implementing changes and improvements and are committed to developing best-practice HR policies and procedures that reflect the Ted culture we are looking to develop and enhance in the future.

“One of Ted Baker’s greatest strengths is its people. I would like to thank our team for their co-operation and input during this process and for their continued hard work and commitment. I am confident that this skilled and dedicated team will continue to drive the Ted Baker brand forward.”

The retailer has come under pressure from shareholders to reveal the specific details of the investigation. According to the Guardian, some of its biggest shareholders have raised concerns that the lack of transparency means that the company’s owners are not able to judge its exposure to reputational risks.

One said: “It’s one thing to suspend the founder. The other thing is, is there any legal risk for the group?”

The allegations against Kelvin came to light after a petition launched last year called for an end to the “forced hugging” culture. It also claimed Ted Baker’s HR team did “nothing” with reports of harassment.