The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has restarted its investigation into allegations of bullying and harassment against its chair, Kishwer Falkner.
The investigation was paused earlier this year due to leaks to the media. The EHRC appointed a senior lawyer to conduct an independent inquiry into the complaints.
Details of the allegations were shared with Channel 4 News, and allies of Falkner claimed that she was facing a witch-hunt due to the watchdog’s stance on transgender rights under her leadership, The Guardian reported.
Falkner has expressed confidence in being exonerated.
The pause in the investigation, initiated in May, was to seek legal advice regarding the impact of leaked confidential information and to ensure fairness to all parties involved.
On Tuesday (18), the equality watchdog announced the resumption of the investigation, with the information first disclosed by Channel 4 News.
According to an EHRC spokesperson, “Following legal advice, the pause on the investigation has been lifted.”
Notably, the investigation has heightened tensions within the organization over trans rights.
The leaks occurred after Falkner supported changes to the Equality Act 2010, which could affect access to single-sex spaces and events for transgender individuals.
This stance has drawn criticism from LGBT+ groups and some EHRC staff members, leading to reports of significant resignations due to alleged “transphobic direction.”
Last year, the EHRC requested the Scottish government to halt plans for gender recognition simplification through self-identification.
Additionally, the EHRC published guidance suggesting that transgender individuals could be excluded from single-sex services under certain justifiable and proportionate reasons.
During the pause in the investigation, Falkner’s allies referred to it as a “victory for board over blob,” with “The Blob” being a term used by Conservatives to describe a left-leaning group critical of the Tory agenda.
The government has expressed support for Falkner, with the prime minister’s spokesperson stating a constructive relationship with her.
Reports also indicated that Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch would not allow Falkner to be “hounded from office” amidst the investigation.
