Nigel MacLennan was president-elect and a trustee of the British Psychological Society (BPS). He raised concerns about the charity’s governance and finances with the Charity Commission. MacLennan, elected president in 2020, was expelled from the charity in May 2021 following allegations of “persistent bullying”, which he denied.
An employment tribunal ruled last year that he did not have employment standing, therefore the tribunal had no jurisdiction to hear claims around detriment for making protected disclosures. MacLennan has appealed the ruling.
The significance of this case has been underscored by the Judge of the Employment Appeal Tribunal, who, in allowing the appeal, made an order that the Government be invited to intervene in this case because of its significant public interest implications. The Charity Commission, concerned about the consequences of employment protection extended to all charity trustees, has also been granted leave to intervene. Protect, the whistle blowing charity, has also been granted leave to intervene.
Legal challenge to give charity trustees vital whistleblowing legal protections
Status
A two day hearing has been scheduled for 24 & 25 July.
Abbreviations
NM/A/C - Nigel MaClennan, appellant or claimant
BPS/R - British Psychological Society, respondent
CM - Chris Milson, barrister for appellant
EDS or DS - Emma Darlow Stearn, barrister for appellant
PG - Paul Gilroy KC, barrister for appellant
JL - Jeremy Lewis KC, barrister for intervenor Protect
MS - Mukhtiar Singh, barrister for intervenor Protect
NL - Naomi Ling barrister for intervenor Charity Commission
ET - Employment Tribunal
EAT - Employment Appeal Tribunal
P - Protect
CC - Charity Commission
WB - whistleblower or blowing
WBP - whistleblower protections
CT or T - charity trustee or trustee
CR - convention rights
ECHR - European Convention on Human Rights
Live Tweet Threads
Wednesday 24th July morning session
Wednesday 24th July afternoon session
Press Coverage
23 July 2024
Civil Society - Court to hear call for expansion of whistleblowing law to cover charity trustees
22 July 2024
PsychReg - Employment Appeal Tribunal to Hear Landmark Whistleblower Case Involving British Psychological Society