The Chartered Institute of Fundraising “has a long way to go” and needs to change its culture, its chair said yesterday.
Claire Rowney, who became chair of the Chartered Institute last year having been on the board since 2018, issued a statement on Twitter addressing concerns from members about how the body has handled allegations of sexual harassment.
She said: “I want to start with a heartfelt apology to the women who have been let down by the Chartered Institute of Fundraising in relation to reported sexual harassment and also offer a genuine thank you to all the women who have spoken out this week.
“Raising concerns takes courage, and those who do so deserve to be taken seriously and treated with respect and sensitivity.”
I want to start with a heartfelt apology to the women who have been let down by the Chartered Institute of Fundraising in relation to reported sexual harassment and also offer a genuine thank you to all the women who have spoken out this week (1/4)
— Claire Rowney (@clairerowney) March 17, 2021
Concerns
Last Friday Mandy Johnson, who has been a fundraiser and is a former chair of the institute's London committee, criticised the Chartered Institute. She claimed it had not responded to allegations of sexual abuse promptly.
The Chartered Institute denies ignoring the allegations and says the matter is still part of an ongoing investigation so it cannot comment further.
Claire Warner, a consultant, resigned from her role on the Chartered Institute’s standards advisory committee in protest at how things were being handled.
This week chairs of special interest and regional committees sent the national body a formal letter expressing concerns about the Chartered Institute.
A group of its fellows also raised concerns with the body. The Chartered Institute published a statement apologising for its initial response.
‘We must be fit for purpose’
Rowney said she aims to reform the body and promised further updates on its work.
“The organisation has a long way to go and whilst it’s critical that the processes are fit for purpose and put members' safety at their heart, ultimately we need to create a seismic shift in the whole culture so that everyone is not just safe but able to truly thrive,” she said.
“In my first year as @CIOFtweets chair, I’m committed to doing everything in my power to help bring about this long overdue change and will ensure plans are communicated to address the past issues and the future direction over the coming weeks.”
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