Tyneside Cinema to carry out independent review of its workplace culture

The board of the Tyneside Cinema has announced an independent review into all aspects of its workplace culture. 

More than 200 current and former employees have signed an open letter accusing the management of failings in their handling of sexual harassment and abuse allegations. 

The cinema says the review will be conducted by a high-level independent consultant with extensive experience of similar investigations.

The review will be concluded within six weeks and the Board of Trustees has committed to publish and act upon the recommendations made.

Commenting on their decision, Chair of the Board Lucy Armstrong said: “We fully recognise the very real concerns which have been raised over recent days on social media, about a wide number of issues at Tyneside Cinema.

“We want this investigation to be rigorous and to look into our culture and practices and we want to ensure that everyone, including past and present employees, have a chance to contribute fully to this review.

"We want people to know they will be listened to and their views will help change the future. We cannot undo the past, but we will re-shape the future for Tyneside Cinema.

"I will make myself personally available to past employees who want to share their stories with me.

“We will ensure this review reports quickly and any recommendations are made public and acted upon. We want to move forward together, in a spirit of cooperation, openness and understanding.

“We all care passionately about the Tyneside Cinema and the amazing work of the charity. We care about our people, about our audiences and communities and we want this to be a welcoming place for everyone who uses the Tyneside and many of that group are our own staff.”