Sexual health charity, the Terrence Higgins Trust has lost a tribunal against its former chief executive, who accused the charity of unfairly dismissing her following a campaign of bullying.

Rosemary Gillespie was dismissed from her role in July 2015 after 15 months in charge but says she was forced out after she began investigating allegations of sexual misconduct and mismanagement of charity funds.

A spokeswoman for the Terrence Higgins trust confirmed the charity had “unfortunately lost the case” and was “disappointed” by the tribunal’s decision.

But it admitted there were “lessons to learn”.

“We will carefully review these findings and take appropriate action to respond to the concerns that they have raised, including a review of our governance and decision-making processes,” the spokeswoman said.

“Our focus is on moving forward and continuing to prevent HIV transmissions and support individuals to live well with HIV. We have entered a positive new chapter, with a new strategy and Chief Executive in place, and are focused on the future.”

Earlier this year, Gillespie said she was appointed by the charity in 2014 to make changes – but that a small number of staff were resistant to those changes and leant on the trustees to have her dismissed.

Gillespie launched the tribunal with the aim of claiming compensation for lost earnings in wages for the period since she was dismissed.

Today Gillespie told Civil Society News there were "no winners" following the success of her case.

"The people that have lost the most are Terrence Higgins Trust’s service users, as well as those who have loyally supported and raised funds for them," she said.

"I took the job of chief executive at Terrence Higgins Trust because I am committed and passionate about promoting good sexual health. I was brought in to the charity because I have a successful track record of leading change, and trustees were aware after they conducted an external `Listening Exercise` that a great deal of change and improvement was needed at the charity.

"I am confident that if I had been given time to see these changes through and not been treated in the way I was, I would have achieved this."

A remedy hearing is scheduled to take place tomorrow to determine the award.

The charity appointed Ian Green as permanent chief executive in January.