Paul Kernaghan to lead next review into Parliament's Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme
23 October 2023
As agreed by the Commissions of both Houses in May 2023, the next review of the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) will commence today following the appointment of Paul Kernaghan CBE QPM as the independent reviewer.
With an expectation to report in early 2024, the review timetable is in line with recommendations made in 2021 - as part of the 18-month ICGS review by independent expert Alison Stanley. The review will act as a timely check and balance on the work and initiatives being delivered by the ICGS, and will provide an opportunity to make further improvements in the scheme.
The terms of reference for the review - as agreed by the House of Commons and House of Lords Commissions - are now available to read.
Earlier this month the ICGS published its fifth annual report -outlining the operation of the scheme and highlighting some of the key developments within the past twelve months. The report also includes relevant statistics on areas such as case numbers, outreach and timeframes. It is available to read here.
About the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme
The Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme represents a commitment from both Houses to create a modern workplace where people can work without fear of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct.
The ICGS provides over 15,000 people within the parliamentary community - including staff of both Houses, MPs, Peers, and their staff - with confidential advice and support through an independent helpline, as well as the means to make a complaint of bullying, harassment and/or sexual misconduct which will be independently investigated. It is the first scheme of its kind in any legislature across the world and is an important step forward in tackling inappropriate behaviour in Parliament.
Bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct have absolutely no place in Parliament - any complaint of unacceptable behaviour is taken extremely seriously. Parliament remains committed to ensuring that lasting cultural change can be achieved here.