EHRC: Bullying probe into watchdog chair Baroness Falkner closed

Baroness Falkner said the claims against her were "unsubstantiated"

A bullying and harassment investigation into the head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has closed, the organisation says.

It follows minister Kemi Badenoch's decision to bring in outside legal experts to review how the EHRC handled the allegations against its chairwoman.

Baroness Falkner welcomed the end "to this investigation into unsubstantiated claims against me".

The EHRC promised a "full review of the process failures which occurred".

No findings from the EHRC's investigation have been released.

Allegations of a "toxic culture" at the watchdog under Baroness Falkner's leadership first emerged in a Channel 4 report in May, which featured interviews with anonymous EHRC employees.

As well as bullying and harassment claims, it featured staff saying they believed Baroness Falkner was undermining transgender rights.

Baroness Falkner and the EHRC were criticised by some campaigners in April for advising the government to consider redefining sex as "biological sex" in the Equality Act, which some argue would provide stronger legal grounds for offering single-sex services and spaces.

According to the Daily Mail, a whistleblower from the EHRC said her supporters within the organisation felt Baroness Falkner was the victim of a "witch hunt" amid divisions over gender issues.

An internal investigation was launched in May after allegations about Baroness Falkner's behaviour were made by a member of staff.

But it was paused days later after the EHRC said it was seeking legal advice "on the impact of leaked confidential information".

When the investigation restarted, Equalities Minister Badenoch drafted in outside legal experts to analyse how the claims had been handled.

The EHRC said it was ending its investigation into Baroness Falkner as a result of that review.

A source close to Ms Badenoch described Baroness Falkner as "courageous", adding: "Kemi has always been clear that good public servants should not be hounded out of office and she is pleased this process has now concluded."

In a statement, Baroness Falkner said: "I am... particularly grateful for the support and encouragement I have received, since the investigation into allegations against me was first disclosed.

"I have relished public service all my life and continue to do so with vigour and determination."

The EHRC has not released any findings from its own investigation. A spokesperson said: "The Board will work through any outstanding issues with all parties in confidence.

"The board will also be conducting a full review of the process failures which occurred as well as a review of its own rules and governance to implement any necessary changes."