Government is set to launch a review into the culture, governance and accountability of the Wilmslow based Information Commissioner’s Office.
The announcement comes weeks after ICO boss John Edwards resigned following allegations of sexual harassment and bullying. An independent workplace investigation found his behaviour “fell short of the conduct expected from a public official”.
Tatton MP Esther McVey has been calling for an investigation into the organisation for months and last night wrote to Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall following her announcement.
Ms McVey said: “The review must not only examine the conduct of the former Information Commissioner but the organisational culture, governance arrangements and handling of complaints that have allowed concerns to persist over a prolonged period. It must also provide a safe, confidential and well-publicised opportunity for former members of staff, as well as current employees, to contribute evidence.
“Many individuals who have since left the organisation may have valuable experiences to share, and their voices should be heard. The review must establish a complete understanding of what occurred and identify the reforms necessary to rebuild trust in the regulator given the extremely serious nature of allegations being made about alleged bullying, harassment and discrimination at the organisation.”
Ms McVey recently submitted a series of Parliamentary Questions probing behaviours at the organisation, including when issues were first raised to government, and whether government planned to require the ICO to implement any recommendations relating to workplace culture and staff welfare.
She added: “The public, ICO staff and Parliament deserve a review that is genuinely independent, comprehensive and capable of restoring confidence in this important public institution, and I will do everything I can to make sure this happens.”
Ms Kendall said she had seen evidence of "vulgar and highly sexualised language" in Mr Edwards' interactions with staff and thanked the women who have spoken out.
The ICO is responsible overseeing data protection regulation and freedom of information laws, as well as regulating AI in the UK. It has been in Wilmslow for 40 years but will move to smaller premises in Manchester later this year, a move opposed by Ms McVey.
Following the shock announcement of its relocation, Ms McVey led a Parliamentary debate calling for it to remain in the town to protect jobs and footfall for shops. She also said moving to Manchester would be more costly for the taxpayer.
