by The Welsh Rugby Union has taken steps to change its workplace culture after a report branded it “toxic”.
It signed a legal agreement with the Equality and Human Rights Commission after concerns it was not adequately protecting its staff from discrimination and harassment.
The agreement, which is legally binding, sets out what the WRU must do over the next year to improve its workplace policies, practices and culture to protect its employees.
It follows an independent review which found that some aspects of workplace culture within the WRU were “toxic” and that sexism, racism and homophobia were not adequately tackled.
The review also found evidence of bullying and over-reliance on non-disclosure agreements to prevent employees from sharing their experiences.
As part of the agreement, the WRU has committed to introducing a number of changes.
These include mandatory training on equality, diversity and inclusion; introduce mandatory harassment training and address sexual harassment complaints for personnel managers; work with an external advisor to review and modify its company workplace policies; review the use of NDAs.
The actions included in the agreement are designed to be feasible and effective ways of embedding discrimination and harassment prevention at the WRU.
Baroness Kishwer Falkner, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: “Everyone has the right to a workplace where they are free from discrimination and harassment. Employers have a responsibility to ensure that their policies and practices protect their employees and create a work culture where staff can thrive without fear.
“As the governing body of Wales’ national sport, the Welsh public rightly expect the highest standards from the WRU.
“This legal agreement is an important step in the WRU rebuilding the confidence of its staff and the nation as a whole, and we are pleased that the WRU has already begun to make progress in the required actions.”
