# CIoF “completely & unreservedly” apologises for failure to contact women involved in recent investigation

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2021/06/15/ciof-completely-unreservedly-apologises-for-failure-to-contact-women-involved-in-recent-investigation/
- Published: 2021-06-15T11:00:50+01:00
- Author: Melanie May

**Following last week’s announcement that Tell Jane’s investigation into allegations
of mishandling of sexual misconduct claims, the Chartered Institute of Fundraising
has issued an apology from its trustees.**

The investigation concluded [no wrongdoing by CIoF former Chief Executive Peter Lewis](https://fundraising.co.uk/2021/06/09/independent-investigation-concludes-no-wrongdoing-by-former-ciof-chief/)
in relation to an allegation that a complaint of sexual harassment was made to him
in 2014 which he did not act upon.

[Tell Jane](https://www.telljane.co.uk/)‘s conclusion was given in a report submitted
to the [Chartered Institute](https://ciof.org.uk/)’s Board following an allegation
made on social media in spring 2021.

## Advertisement

However, following the announcement, a number of people came forward to challenge
the outcome, and to say that they had not been contacted either during the investigation,
or about the outcome before it was published.

In response, yesterday saw the CIoF board of trustees issue a statement of apology,
which reads:

> “We completely and unreservedly apologise for our failure to contact the women
> involved in the recent investigation ahead of making the outcome public last week.
> We thought this was being done as part of the investigation, but we got that wrong
> and want to say sorry to those who will inevitably have been affected by our mistake.
> Witnesses and complainants involved in investigations like these must be treated
> with respect and put at the heart of the process. We have failed to do that, and
> for that we as trustees, and on behalf of the whole Chartered Institute, are truly
> sorry. While we know that the anger and hurt caused by our failure cannot be undone,
> we are now making the changes needed to make sure that this never, ever, happens
> again. We will be contacting the women involved to offer our apologies directly
> and to also offer any support that we can now provide.”

The CIoF has also said that it would like to confirm that the investigation into
the alleged sexual harassment incident is ongoing with the full report due on 30
June. It will make the findings of that investigation public after that date, and
will also be publishing more information “as soon as possible” on the failings that
have been found in in its processes and the learnings and actions it is taking.

Its latest statement has also drawn criticism on social media, with calls for those
at the CIoF involved in the handling and overseeing of the investigation to consider
their positions.

With the [CIoF’s AGM approaching next month](https://fundraising.co.uk/2021/05/11/ciof-seeks-member-feedback-on-redraft-of-complaints-disciplinary-rules/),
voting is currently open for members to elect three trustees to the Board. Members
have also been asked to vote on the Resolution to amend Regulation 38.3 of the Regulations
of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. The plan is to amend this to read:

_The Trustees shall make (and may alter) rules, to be known as the Institute’s “
Complaints and Disciplinary Rules” for the purpose of handling and resolution of
complaints and disciplinary matters relating to the conduct of members, which shall
include the conduct of former members while they were members._

Votes for the trustee positions remain open until midday on 1 July.

#### Related news

[Independent investigation concludes no wrongdoing by former CIoF chief](https://fundraising.co.uk/2021/06/09/independent-investigation-concludes-no-wrongdoing-by-former-ciof-chief/)
June 2021

[CIoF seeks member feedback on redraft of complaints & disciplinary rules](https://fundraising.co.uk/2021/05/11/ciof-seeks-member-feedback-on-redraft-of-complaints-disciplinary-rules/)
May 2021

[Chartered Institute of Fundraising seeks three trustees](https://fundraising.co.uk/2021/04/13/chartered-institute-of-fundraising-seeks-three-trustees/)
April 2021

[Interim CEO sought for CIoF](https://fundraising.co.uk/2021/04/07/interim-ceo-sought-for-ciof/)
April 2021

[CIoF Chief Exec Peter Lewis announces resignation](https://fundraising.co.uk/2021/03/23/ciof-ceo-peter-lewis-announces-resignation/)
March 2021

[IoF introduces confidential complaints helpline](https://fundraising.co.uk/2019/12/05/iof-introduces-confidential-complaints-helpline/)
December 2019

[IoF to set up taskforce to tackle sexual harassment in fundraising](https://fundraising.co.uk/2019/03/28/iof-to-set-up-taskforce-to-tackle-sexual-harassment-in-fundraising/)
March 2019