EXCLUSIVE: ArtsEd chair Brian Brodie has stop 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 providers government, has stepped down after becoming a member of Andrew Lloyd Webber-backed ArtsEd in July 2022. One of his final actions was to launch an unbiased, barrister-led inquiry after Deadline uncovered misconduct allegations towards ArtsEd principal Julie Spencer.
Trustee Farida Mannan introduced Brodie’s resignation in an electronic mail to oldsters of ArtsEd college students on Friday. Mannan has been named appearing chair. Spencer is on medical go away and won’t return to work whereas the investigation is ongoing.
“I appreciate that the last few weeks have been immensely challenging for the organisation,” Mannan stated. “The allegations raised in recent media coverage are serious and do not reflect our values or the organisation we want to be.”
More than 100 dad and mom complained to ArtsEd, elevating questions in regards to the board’s dealing with of the allegations, which embody a leaked recording of Spencer branding college students “snakes” and threatening them with authorized motion. Brodie apologized for an absence of communication with dad and mom.
Mannan echoed this sentiment in her electronic mail on Friday. “It is clear to me that we have communicated poorly and ineffectively with you on some of these matters in the last few weeks, and this has placed an undue burden upon you,” ArtsEd’s appearing chair stated.
Mannan revealed that Ghazaleh Rezaie, the senior legal professional engaged to research the allegations, is anticipated to report again to the board together with her findings in March subsequent yr. Several sources have instructed Deadline that they intend to submit proof.
It is the second unbiased 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 appreciate that concerns have been raised about undertaking another investigation less than three years after the Rebecca Tuck KC review. We are fully aware that any review of this kind will mean a significant commitment of time and resources, but we believe that it is the fair, appropriate and responsible course of action, and demonstrates how serious we are about holding ourselves to the highest standards.”
Lloyd Webber is ArtsEd’s president and his basis has donated thousands and thousands of kilos to the varsity. He has not commented on the allegations.
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