Sentebale Charity Found to be Free from Widespread Bullying and Misogyny

In a significant development, the Charity Commission has concluded that there is no evidence of widespread bullying, harassment, or misogyny at the Sentebale charity founded by Prince Harry. The finding comes as a relief to the charity and its supporters, who have faced criticism and scrutiny over allegations of unfair treatment and discriminatory behavior.

Background

Sentebale is a registered charity that was founded in 2006 by Prince Harry, along with his friend Gareth Evans, following their experiences while serving in Angola during the civil war. The charity's mission is to support vulnerable children and young people in Botswana and Lesotho who have been affected by HIV and AIDS.

Allegations of Bullying and Misogyny

In recent months, there have been reports of bullying and harassment within Sentebale, with some staff members and volunteers claiming that they had experienced unfair treatment and discriminatory behavior. The allegations were largely centered around the charity's leadership structure and its handling of issues related to HIV and AIDS.

Charity Commission Investigation

In response to these allegations, the Charity Commission launched an investigation into Sentebale to determine whether the charity was in breach of its regulatory obligations. The commission conducted a thorough review of the charity's policies and practices, as well as interviews with staff members, volunteers, and beneficiaries.

Findings

The Charity Commission has now released its findings, which suggest that there is no evidence of widespread bullying, harassment, or misogyny at Sentebale. While some individual incidents may have occurred, these were not systematic or widespread and did not amount to a culture of bullying or harassment.

Key Findings

• The Charity Commission found that Sentebale had robust policies in place to prevent bullying and harassment, including a clear code of conduct for staff members and volunteers.
• The commission also concluded that the charity's leadership structure was transparent and accountable, with regular checks and balances in place to prevent abuse of power.
• However, some individual incidents were reported, which included allegations of unfair treatment and discriminatory behavior. These incidents were found to be isolated and not part of a broader pattern.

Conclusion

The Charity Commission's findings are a significant relief for Sentebale and its supporters, who had faced criticism and scrutiny over the allegations of bullying and harassment. While some individual incidents may have occurred, these were not systematic or widespread and did not amount to a culture of bullying or harassment.

It is essential to note that charities, like any organization, can always improve their policies and practices to prevent bullying and harassment. The Charity Commission's findings serve as a reminder of the importance of robust governance structures, clear policies, and transparent decision-making processes.

Recommendations

Based on its investigation, the Charity Commission has made several recommendations for Sentebale to consider:

• Reviewing and revising its code of conduct to ensure that it is comprehensive and up-to-date.
• Providing training and awareness programs for staff members and volunteers on bullying and harassment prevention.
• Implementing more robust measures to prevent abuse of power and protect the rights of beneficiaries.

By implementing these recommendations, Sentebale can continue to provide high-quality services to its beneficiaries while maintaining a positive and inclusive culture.