Holyrood Survey Exposes 84 Unreported Cases of Bullying and Harassment
A damning new report has revealed 84 previously unreported cases of bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment at the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood over the past five years. The findings, based on a confidential survey of staff, include serious allegations of sexual misconduct affecting both women and men, as well as incidents linked to alcohol and behaviour described as intended to 'keep women in their place'.
Patterns of Misconduct and Underreporting
The report, considered by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB), indicates that these cases date back to 2021 and were not reported at the time due to fears of consequences, reputational harm, or concerns that reporting could damage political relationships or career prospects. The document states that 'these patterns indicate misuse of power by a small number of individuals and a gap between lived experience and official reporting volumes'.
Feedback provided to the confidential independent support and advocacy service detailed 84 incidents of experiencing and/or witnessing bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment. Proportionately, the highest number of anonymous disclosures related to Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), underscoring significant power imbalances within the institution.
Leadership Response and Cultural Issues
Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone and Holyrood chief executive David McGill expressed being 'deeply concerned by the findings on bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment'. They acknowledged that these incidents only came to light through the review, revealing that some colleagues did not previously feel safe or confident to share their experiences.
The report also highlighted a persistent 'two-tier culture' at the Parliament, where staff perceive that poor behaviour by MSPs is less likely to be challenged or addressed effectively. This perception is reinforced by power imbalances and inconsistent accountability, creating an environment where misconduct can thrive unchecked.
Recommendations for Reform
The SPCB, which met on Thursday to consider the report, has given its full support to the recommendations outlined. Key proposals include:
- Carrying out a review of the Parliament's complaints process to identify opportunities to create a single, accessible complaints and support hub.
- Implementing a Parliament-wide risk-assessment framework for bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment to provide practical tools for early identification of risks and proportionate intervention in higher-risk settings.
- Working to embed a Parliament-wide 'speak up' culture to encourage early reporting of incidents and foster a safer workplace environment.
These measures aim to address the systemic issues uncovered and ensure that all staff feel empowered to report misconduct without fear of retaliation. The report serves as a stark reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance and reform to protect the dignity and well-being of everyone working within the Scottish Parliament.
