Presidents Club dinner criticised in report

Treatment of women at a Presidents Club dinner earlier this year “fell short of what would be expected in the 21st century”, the Charity Commission said in a report published today.

It said the club failed to protect hostesses while taking “careful steps” to cover up the activities of men there.

An undercover journalist from the Financial Times said female staff at the male-only event in January were groped after being told to wear “sexy” uniforms and high heels. The London event, held annually since 1985, no longer takes place. Helen Stephenson, commission head, said: “Raising funds for charity does not absolve trustees of legal duties or moral responsibilities.”