Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) publishes third Annual Report
22 October 2021
The Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) represents a commitment from both Houses to create a modern workplace where colleagues can work without fear of bullying, harassment, or sexual harassment.
The ICGS has now published its third Annual Report, covering July 2020-June 2021. The report outlines the operation of the ICGS and highlights some of the key developments in the scheme this year – most notably the comprehensive independent review of the scheme, carried out by Alison Stanley CBE, as well as the establishment of the Independent Expert Panel, which began its work on considering appeals and sanctions of ICGS cases involving Members of Parliament.
In line with reports from previous years, the ICGS Annual Report also contains data on use of the ICGS helpline, complaint investigations and Valuing Everyone training.
Director of the ICGS, Jo Willows said:
“This year has been marked by great changes that have affected all of our personal and professional lives. For the ICGS, it has also been a year of change and adaptation as we have worked to implement the recommendations from Alison Stanley’s 18-month review of the scheme. Over 75% of Alison Stanley’s agreed recommendations have now been implemented, with the remaining recommendations set to be completed in Spring 2022.
“Improving the scheme for all members of the parliamentary community has been a priority over the past year. The procurement of new investigation service providers has helped to expand the capacity of the scheme, and the creation of new features such as the ICGS Hub are building awareness of the scheme within Parliament - making the process more transparent, accessible, and easy to understand.
"Our Annual Report illustrates that we’re moving in the right direction – but we know that there is more work to be done. The ICGS is a complex scheme, and we remain committed to streamlining and improving the ICGS and promoting the additional support services on offer. We now have effective and independent processes in place – and are continuing to ensure that lasting cultural change can be delivered for all of those in Parliament"
Alison Stanley CBE, who led the 18-month review of the ICGS said:
“I am pleased to see the pace of change in implementing improvements to the ICGS following the 18-month review and the commitment this shows to ensuring the Scheme continues to fulfil its key roles in addressing unacceptable behaviour and helping to establish constructive working relationships between all those working in Parliament.”
Dame Laura Cox DBE, who first reported on bullying and harassment within Parliament in 2018, said:
"I welcome this Annual Report and the encouraging information it contains about the operation of the Scheme. As the author fairly accepts, there is still work to be done to improve the process and reduce the time that cases are taking, but all those involved in its implementation deserve our congratulations for the success that has already been achieved."