18.12.2023
We are publishing this article in response to recent media coverage regarding culture at ArtsEd. You may be aware of the historic complaints raised in the press over the last number of weeks, and that further complaints and concerns have come to light since then.
These are serious allegations and do not reflect our values or the organisation we want to be.
The Board of Trustees have instructed Ghazaleh Rezaie, a barrister from 12 Kings Bench Walk Chambers, to undertake a review of the allegations and wider governance at ArtsEd.
While it is up to Ms Rezaie to agree and finalise the Terms of Reference, we are keen that this investigation is as broad and inclusive as possible, and that people have the opportunity to make their voice heard. We are determined to establish a clear account of the events and identify lessons to be learned based on the findings.
With that in mind, an independent email address has been established for anybody that wants to contribute to the investigation. enquiries@independent-investigation.com. We would encourage anybody, including all staff, students, parents and alumni to use this email address to contact Ms Rezaie.
We plan for work on the investigation to commence as soon as possible with interviews and evidence gathering in January 2024.
We hope that this statement and plan demonstrates how serious we are about holding the institution to account and how we should be determined at all times, no matter how difficult, to judge ourselves against the highest standards.