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Patron quits anti-bullying charity over helpline row

Governance | Vibeka Mair | 22 Feb 2010

Professor Cary Cooper, a patron of the National Bullying Helpline (NBH), has resigned, complaining its founder and chief executive Christine Pratt has breached confidentiality by claiming staff at Downing Street had called its helpline.

Over the weekend, Pratt told the BBC of the charity's dealings with No. 10 staff following accusations in the press that Gordon Brown had bullied civil servants, a claim vehemently denied by business secretary Peter Mandelson.

In a video on the BBC news website, Pratt said she was not suggesting that Gordon Brown was a bully, but claimed staff in his office with issues and concerns had contacted the National Bullying Helpline.

“The statement by Mandelson denying the bullying claims are occurring is nonsense and non-credible,” she said. “To deny the claims compounds the stress of those who believe they are being bullied. Whether it’s real or imagined, to outright deny it is not conducive to a productive working environment.”

In response, Cooper, an expert on workplace stress, has quit the charity.

“One of the things that is really important for any helpline or any counselling service is to retain confidentiality of the people calling,” he said.

Pratt "not politically motivated"

In another BBC video, Pratt also hit back at claims that her actions were “politically motivated” and denied being a member of the Conservative party.  In response to a question about whether “her job was on the line”, she said: “If trustees want me to stand down I will.”

NBH counts Ann Widdecombe MP among its patrons and has a message of support from David Cameron on its website.

Bullying UK to contact Charity Commission

Meanwhile, Bullying UK has also criticised NBH for its breach of confidentiality over the Gordon Brown complaints, complaining that it has been mistaken for the NBH and been wrongly attacked by supporters.

In a statement on its website, a spokeswoman said: “Gordon Brown’s office is small and the National Bullying Helpline’s comment will almost certainly identify this person who turned to the helpline in despair.

“It’s hard to imagine a more serious breach of confidentiality. And it’s extremely concerning that we’ve had emails and Tweets from people who think that this charity is responsible.

“We’re not, we’re disgusted and upset and we’re writing to the Charity Commission today to complain about the National Bullying Helpline.”

A Charity Commission spokesperson said: "A number of issues have been raised over the weekend concerning the charity National Bullying Helpline and the Charity Commission has received a number of complaints. We are considering these to see which may fall within our remit. We will be contacting the charity for further information."

NBH was unavailable for comment.

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