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Written question asked by Lord Lucas (Conservative) on Tuesday, 2 June 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 June 2020. It was answered by Lord McFall of Alcluith (Non-affiliated) on Tuesday, 16 June 2020 on behalf of the Senior Deputy Speaker (HL).


House of Lords: Training

Question

The Senior Deputy Speaker, further to the Written Answer by Lord McFall of Alcluith on 27 May (HL4295), whether he will supply full details of the regular surveys and other measures proposed to evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives to tackle bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct.

Answer

The Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme, which constitutes a Parliament-wide regime for tackling bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct, was subject to a review after six months of operation, which has been published on the UK Parliament website, and a further review (the ’18-month review’) is planned for later this year, which is also expected to be published. This will be led by an independent reviewer, supported by an advisory panel, and will be an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of the Scheme, as well as to consider specific policy changes as directed by the 6-month review. The Codes of Conduct for Lords Members and Lords Members’ Staff now include the ICGS provisions on bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct, and these are kept under active review by the Conduct Committee.

In addition to the work to review the effectiveness of the ICGS, additional formal mechanisms are in place or planned which will help to assess progress on improving the broader workplace culture in the House of Lords and specific progress on addressing the recommendations made by Naomi Ellenbogen QC in 2019 in her review of bullying and harassment in the House of Lords. These include the Steering Group for Change, composed of staff and peer representatives, tasked with monitoring progress of implementation of Naomi Ellenbogen QC ’s report on bullying and harassment in the House of Lords, and providing advice and support to the Management Board and House of Lords Commission on their response to the report. There will also be a 12-month review of progress in implementing the recommendations of that report.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL5032
Session
2019-21
Related items
House of Lords: Training
Wednesday, 27 May 2020
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Bullying House of Lords Harassment Training
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk