Charity apologises over ex-boss’s behaviour
SAVE the Children has apologised to women employees who complained of inappropriate behaviour by the charity’s former chief executive, admitting their claims were not properly dealt with at the time.
In a statement, the charity said Justin Forsyth – who has since gone on to become deputy executive director of Unicef in New York – was twice subject to investigation after concerns were raised about his conduct in 2011 and again in 2015 involving in all three women.
The disclosure comes after Brendan Cox, the widower of murdered MP Jo Cox, admitted that he made “mistakes” and behaved in a way that caused some women “hurt and offence” when he was working at Save the Children. Mr Cox and Mr Forsyth had previously worked together at 10 Downing Street under Gordon Brown.
Mr Forsyth has admitted making “some personal mistakes” during his time at Save the Children. On each occasion – following an inquiry carried out in conjunction with an independent trustee – Mr Forsyth issued an “unreserved apology” to the women concerned and the matter was considered to be closed.
However the charity said that concerns were subsequently raised with the trustees that “matters should not have been left as they were” and a further review was required.
That review found that human resources process “had not been followed in every aspect”, the statement said.