EXCLUSIVE: ArtsEd chair Brian Brodie has give up for private causes. His choice follows criticism of the board’s dealing with of bullying allegations on the esteemed London drama faculty.
Brodie, a monetary companies government, has stepped down after becoming a member of Andrew Lloyd Webber-backed ArtsEd in July 2022. One in every of his final actions was to launch an impartial, barrister-led inquiry after Deadline uncovered misconduct allegations in opposition to ArtsEd principal Julie Spencer.
Trustee Farida Mannan introduced Brodie’s resignation in an e-mail to folks of ArtsEd college students on Friday. Mannan has been named performing chair. Spencer is on medical depart and won’t return to work whereas the investigation is ongoing.
“I recognize that the previous couple of weeks have been immensely difficult for the organisation,” Mannan stated. “The allegations raised in latest media protection are critical and don’t mirror our values or the organisation we need to be.”
Greater than 100 mother and father complained to ArtsEd, elevating questions in regards to the board’s dealing with of the allegations, which embrace a leaked recording of Spencer branding college students “snakes” and threatening them with authorized motion. Brodie apologized for a scarcity of communication with mother and father.
Mannan echoed this sentiment in her e-mail on Friday. “It’s clear to me that now we have communicated poorly and ineffectively with you on a few of these issues in the previous couple of weeks, and this has positioned an undue burden upon you,” ArtsEd’s performing chair stated.
Mannan revealed that Ghazaleh Rezaie, the senior legal professional engaged to analyze the allegations, is predicted to report again to the board along with her findings in March subsequent 12 months. A number of sources have informed Deadline that they intend to submit proof.
It’s the second impartial investigation at ArtsEd in as a few years after barrister Rebecca Tuck present in 2021 that the establishment demonstrated a “lack of regard” for the wellbeing of scholars, exposing them to favoritism, bullying, and different misconduct.
Mannan stated: “I recognize that issues have been raised about enterprise one other investigation lower than three years after the Rebecca Tuck KC evaluate. We’re totally conscious that any evaluate of this type will imply a major dedication of time and sources, however we consider that it’s the honest, applicable and accountable plan of action, and demonstrates how critical we’re about holding ourselves to the very best requirements.”
Lloyd Webber is ArtsEd’s president and his basis has donated hundreds of thousands of kilos to the varsity. He has not commented on the allegations.
