Bullying allegations against National Lottery Community Fund lead to further investigation
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has hired a conflict management firm to investigate the National Lottery Community Fund after allegations of bullying.
Earlier this year, The Times revealed bullying allegations had been lodged against the fund’s former Chief Executive.
Following the reports, the Government investigated the claims against Dawn Austwick, who left his role the previous year.
In addition to allegations of bullying, there were also claims of inappropriate language against Austick.
The Government had made it clear it would provide a strong platform for the fund to make changes in its operations, ensuring the organisation became more inclusive and fairer.
Now, CMP Resolutions has been hired to conduct an inquiry into the leadership and culture at the National Lottery Community Fund.
The Government has added that details about the CMP contract will be published later, to meet transparency requirements.
The Culture Secretary has said current employees that wish to add information regarding the allegations will be supported.
Employees can voice their concerns through the fund’s existing procedures. Currently, the fund has taken on new leadership and the Government is believed to be supporting its new direction.
Director of the Office for Civil Society, David Knott, was appointed to the fund’s Interim Chief Executive role last month.
A DCMS spokesperson told ThirdSector it is “continuing to work closely with the NLCF’s new leadership team, to review its working culture and ensure it is completely focused on using Lottery funding to help build back stronger from the pandemic; and address the needs of people right across the UK.”
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