ACE facing two further employment tribunals

Arts Council England is facing legal action from two more employees it has emerged.

So far this year the public body has faced two claims – one relating to race discrimination, which was dismissed, and another to victimisation in relation to gender critical beliefs, which was partially upheld.

The 2022/23 annual report of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport reveals that as of 31 March this year, four employment tribunal cases had been lodged against Arts Council England.

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"At this stage Arts Council England believe that all cases will be defended successfully and therefore no provision [for financial settlements] has been made in the accounts," the report states.

ACE has confirmed that two of the four cases have already been concluded, those of Denise Fahmy and Corynne Elliot. 

ACE reached a settlement with Fahmy in September on her successful claim of harassment in the workplace because of her gender critical views.

The following month an employment tribunal dismissed claims by Elliot that she was discriminated against due to the colour of her skin, with her case being labelled "unreasonable".

Referring to the other two cases, an Arts Council England spokesperson said: “Arts Council England are unable to comment as legal proceedings are ongoing.”

Earlier this year an independent review into diversity and inclusion within Arts Council England praised the organisation's efforts but highlighted divisions over transgender issues and cases of racism.

Speaking at the time of publication ACE Chief Executive Darren Henley said the organisation was focused on implementing the recommendations of the report and "seeing culture change take place".