Story 144

I was a senior executive. Over time, I became increasingly concerned about a culture of sexism, bullying and sexual harassment at board level and several of my direct reports had made complaints and left because of this. When I eventually submitted a formal complaint, the situation escalated. From the start of this process, I was treated as the problem; I faced retaliatory complaints and unfounded rumours that were later found to be victimisation.

The process was lengthy and was extremely adversarial. During this period, I became seriously ill and required significant medical treatment. Despite ultimately being exonerated and winning my complaint, I was at the same time encouraged to leave my role. I was treated as a troublemaker. When I refused, I was repeatedly undermined until eventually I initiated legal action relating to discrimination and victimisation. I was immediately placed on leave, banned from speaking to anyone in the organisation, and subjected to disciplinary proceedings for bringing the complaint.

A few months before the employment tribunal hearing was due, I was given an ultimatum: accept a settlement agreement with an NDA or be dismissed for gross misconduct without pay. As a single parent with full financial responsibility for my children, working in an industry where reputation is important, I felt I had no real choice but to sign it. The NDA prevents me from speaking about what happened even to my friends, which is incredibly isolating. The organisation’s reputation remains intact and subsequently have tried to position themselves as leaders in diversity issues; my career trajectory was significantly altered with professional and personal consequences, and I cannot speak about why.

I fully support the Can’t Buy My Silence campaign, no one should have to go through what I went through and am very pleased this will change for future workers.