12.07.2024
A number of allegations were raised last year about bullying and favouritism at ArtsEd. Given the nature of the allegations and the number of complaints, as well as the public attention, the Board decided that an independent investigation was necessary. In order to ensure a fair, thorough and impartial investigation, the Board appointed an experienced barrister: Ms Ghazaleh Rezaie of 12 Kings Bench Walk Chambers.
The purpose of the investigation was to enable the Board to understand the basis of the allegations and the nature and extent of any alleged misconduct at ArtsEd. The Terms of Reference for Ms Rezaie’s investigation were published on the ArtsEd website. Ms Rezaie completed her report and sent it to the Board on the evening of 28th June 2024.
The Board of Trustees would like to thank all of the participants who came forward to give evidence to Ms Rezaie. We acknowledge that this has been a challenging, and at times an emotional, process for those involved. As can be seen in the Public Statement, the Principal was not able to participate fully in the investigation for health reasons. The Board extended the investigation on two occasions but then asked Ms Rezaie to produce a report by 28 June 2024 on the basis of her conclusions to that date.
As anticipated in the Terms of Reference, the full report contains confidential information about individuals who were interviewed. Therefore, the full report will not be published. However, the Terms of Reference requested that Ms Rezaie draft a Public Statement – being a summary of the conclusions from her Report capable of being published without contravening data protection law. That Public Statement has now been published on the ArtsEd website.
One of Ms Rezaie’s main findings was that the professional relationship between the Principal and current employees has been damaged beyond repair. The Principal has considered this finding and decided to step down from her role as Principal and as a Trustee in the interests of her health.
The Board is still considering Ms Rezaie’s final full report. The Public Statement makes it clear that not all allegations have been substantiated but a number of allegations were, in Ms Rezaie’s opinion, suitable for referral to a disciplinary process for further examination. We take these allegations very seriously. The Board is assessing the lessons which must be learned and changes which must be made. The latter will be carried out in consultation with the senior leadership at ArtsEd, which will include input into the next steps towards the recruitment of a new Principal.
At ArtsEd we are committed to a culture of inclusivity and transparency. The Board of Trustees will ensure that robust procedures and processes that create a safe environment for all of ArtsEd’s students and staff are embedded throughout the whole institution.
Farida Mannan
Acting Chair of the ArtsEd Board of Trustees
ArtsEd Independent Investigation – Public Statement: https://artsed.co.uk/news/artsed-independent-investigation-public-statement