Complaints of bullying by managers has led the Tate galleries to issue a directive pointing out that staff have a right to work in a safe place “free from harassment or discrimination of any kind”.
According to the Independent, the problem was considered so serious that the organisation’s trustees, who are appointed by the Prime Minister, decided to intervene and raise their concerns with director, Sir Nicholas Serota.
The move followed the publishing of survey undertaken in November last year – the Tate’s most recent – which revealed that 13% of the 586 staff questioned had experienced some form of bullying or harassment.
As a result, the trustees, who include TV executive Elisabeth Murdoch, Rupert’s daughter, former BP boss Lord Browne and journalist Lionel Barber, insisted that an independent monitor, reporting directly to them, be brought in to try and improve the situation.
Recommendations for leadership training and “respect” workshops were also put forward as well as the creation of whistle-blowing policies. A “zero tolerance” dignity and respect policy has now been implemented.
Gallery attendants affiliated with the Public and Commercial Services union indicated that concerns over bullying had been raised repeatedly with management, however.
One former gallery assistant said she had taken the galleries to an employment tribunal for alleged unfair dismissal, after experiencing bullying when budget cuts and replacement staff led to internal friction last year.
