ICO staff stage protest over ‘toxic workplace culture’

The new Information Commission is facing major disruption on its first day of operation with members of the PCS union holding a day of action to demand accountability for leadership failures to keep staff safe and an end to what they describe as a toxic workplace culture.

The action coincides with the formal opening of the Commission’s new HQ in Manchester city centre and the appointment of a new board, which will comprise a chair, who has yet to be appointed, and seven non-executive directors.

PCS members claim there is growing dissatisfaction and a declining sense of pride in working at the ICO among staff. They cite the continued lack of accountability for senior leadership failures and conduct that have contributed to a climate of fear, alongside an increase in the number of staff experiencing or witnessing bullying, harassment and discrimination.

In June, former Information Commissioner John Edwards resigned following allegations about his conduct towards staff, including claims of bullying and harassment.

However, PCS argues that the issues extend beyond the conduct of one individual. A recent staff survey found that almost one in four employees had experienced or witnessed bullying, harassment or discrimination in the previous 12 months.

More than a third of those incidents were reported to involve senior staff, while only 34% of employees said they felt safe speaking up or challenging the way things are done within the organisation.

PCS has been working alongside sister unions to secure a fully independent investigation into leadership and workplace culture at the regulator, with the power to hold individuals accountable and help rebuild trust among staff and the public.

Despite a commitment from the Government to establish an independent investigation, it has yet to begin. PCS says it remains concerned that there are still no clear assurances that any investigation will have the scope and authority needed to examine the issues fully and hold those responsible to account.

The union has also written to the Secretary of State Lisa Nandy, who has responsibility for oversight of the Commission, but has yet to receive a response.

PCS members are planning to leaflet staff and visitors to the Manchester HQ to highlight that a new name and headquarters building will not, on their own, address the serious issues affecting staff wellbeing and safety.

They are also demanding meaningful accountability for those responsible for creating or enabling a culture of bullying, harassment and discrimination, while raising awareness of staff concerns with stakeholders, visitors and the wider public.

There are no official details on how many of the 1,051 ICO staff are PCS members. However, it is not the only union at the regulator; it shares collective bargaining and representation rights with the FDA union, which typically represents senior managers and professionals.

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “The opening of a new headquarters and a rebrand cannot be allowed to distract from the serious concerns staff have raised about the culture within the organisation.

“Our members want to see real accountability, a fully independent investigation and meaningful action to ensure that everyone can work in an environment free from bullying, harassment and discrimination.”

Related stories
All you need to know about the changes at the ICO
Information Commission set to launch without a chair
Search begins for new boss of Information Commission
Union demands ‘urgent action’ as ICO row escalates
ICO urged to ‘come clean’ after John Edwards jumps
ICO workplace probe finds Edwards ‘has case to answer’
Complaints soar but ICO insists ‘we won’t react to noise’
Decision Marketing at 15: Puppy or vicious watchdog?
ICO slammed over ‘slap on the wrist’ for PO data breach
MPs urged to investigate ICO ‘collapse in enforcement’