The Minister for Women and Equalities commissioned an independent legal expert to review the handling of complaints against the EHRC’s Chairwoman, Baroness Kishwer Falkner. The EHRC co-operated fully with the review and its Board has now considered guidance which has flowed from it.
In the light of the conclusions and guidance shared with the Interim Deputy Chair and Board as a result of the review, the Interim Deputy Chair, supported by the Board, has decided that the investigation into the Chairwoman should now close. The Board will work through any outstanding issues with all parties in confidence.
The Board will also be conducting a full review of the process failures which occurred as well as a review of its own rules and governance to implement any necessary changes.
Baroness Kishwer Falkner, Chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, 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.
“The EHRC – our Board, committees, executive team and staff – are united in our focus on protecting and promoting equality and everyone’s human rights. Now that these matters are reaching a conclusion, I hope we will be given the time and space needed to reset and renew our efforts to deliver for the British people.
“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. Such improvements will better serve both Commissioners and staff in future.
“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.
“I remain completely focused on the job I set out to do: advancing equality of opportunity and protecting the human rights of everyone in Britain.”
Lesley Sawers, Interim Deputy Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, 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.”
Notes to editors
In July 2023 the Minister for Women and Equalities commissioned an independent expert to specifically consider:
- what the EHRC rules require when handling complaints against a Chair and who should do what;
- whether the investigation has been properly conducted under the relevant EHRC rules;
- whether - and in what way - the conclusions from the EHRC’s leak inquiry are relevant to the investigation proceeding;
- what the EHRC rules require for the running of the investigation of complaints against the Chairwoman, and the respective roles of those involved;
- what options exist for taking the investigation forward in the current context; and
- any options for the Secretary of State to consider in relation to this.
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