Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme

The Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) is a scheme set up by the British Houses of Parliament which reviews complaints about inappropriate behaviour, such as bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct and provides advice to complainants. Any current or former member of the Parliamentary community is able to raise an issue with the ICGS.[1] It set up a behaviour code that visitors to or employees in parliament must abide by, a helpline for people to seek advice and an investigative process.[2] The director is Jo Willows.[1]

The body was formed in 2018 following the MeToo movement and was devised to tackle MPs' sexual misconduct.[3][2]

In 2021, 388 people contacted the ICGS's helpline for advice, 293 in 2019–2020 and 285 in 2018–2019. In the year 2021, 48 investigations were carried out. The investigations were criticised for taking too long in a 2021 report by HR director Alison Stanley. The average time for an investigation to be concluded was 196 days.[4] The Independent Expert Panel adjudicates appeals and sanctions for complaints made under the ICGS.[5]

Complaints made under the ICGS

In 2022, it was revealed that a complaint was made to the ICGS regarding MP Liam Byrne. The Independent Expert Panel found that Byrne ostracised a former assistant, David Barker, after a minor office dispute.[6][7]

References
  1. "The Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS)". Parliament UK. Retrieved 2 April 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. Hawley, Samantha; Whalan, Roscoe (31 March 2021). "How an explosive 'dirty dossier' changed the way Westminster handles sexual harassment claims". ABC News Australia. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
  3. Bird, Steve; Malnick, Edward (2 April 2022). "Tory MP David Warburton has whip withdrawn during investigation into drug and sex allegations". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
  4. Webber, Esther (22 October 2021). "UK parliament bullying helpline fields record number of calls". Politico. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
  5. "Independent Expert Panel". UK Parliament. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
  6. "MP Liam Byrne to be suspended from Commons for bullying former employee". BBC News. 28 April 2022. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  7. "The Conduct of Mr Liam Byrne MP" (PDF). Parliament UK. 28 April 2022. Retrieved 28 April 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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