CBI boss Tony Danker has stepped down following an allegation about his conduct at work at the UK’s largest group of companies.
THE CCR said on Monday that it was made aware in January of an allegation regarding its chief executive, which was investigated and dealt with “in accordance with CBI procedure”.
He said the investigation into the formal complaint, during which Danker remained as head of the influential trade body, “determined that the matter did not warrant escalation to disciplinary proceedings.”
However, the trade organization said it has since been made aware of new reports regarding Danker’s conduct in the workplace, which “will lead to an independent investigation into these new matters”.
danking asked to step down from his role during the investigation, he added.
“The CBI takes all matters of workplace conduct extremely seriously, but it is important to stress that until this investigation is completed, any new allegations remain unproven and it would be inappropriate to comment further to this stage,” she said in a statement.
The CBI has hired law firm Fox Williams to oversee the investigation. Matthew Fell, the CBI’s senior UK policy director, took over on an interim basis.
Danker said in a statement on Twitter: “It is mortifying to hear that I have offended or upset a colleague. It was completely unintentional, and I profusely apologize. We always strive to achieve the highest standards. I therefore support the decision we have made to independently review any new allegations, and I have decided to step aside during the review and will cooperate fully.
The Guardian, which first reported on the investigation, contacted the CBI last week about the official complaint filed in January by an employee about verbal and unwanted contact which she considered to be sexual harassment, as well as than other allegations.
The Guardian also reported allegations that Danker sent a series of spam messages to the woman, although it added that they did not appear to be part of the complaint.
As head of the CBI, Danker has championed diversity in the workplace and gender balance, recently saying last week that the government should increase investment in childcare to help parents re-enter the workforce. labor market.
Belfast-born Danker’s decision to step down comes at a delicate time for the CBI as it prepares to lobby the government to include business-related policies in the next budget.
The group represents some of Britain’s biggest companies such as Tesco, Unilever, Deloitte and Barclays. Danker has struggled to restore a stronger relationship with the government after clashes over the impact of Brexit on British businesses following the EU referendum.
Danker has been chief executive of the CBI since November 2020 and was previously chief executive of Be the Business, a lobby group. He has also held senior positions with the Guardian News & Media Group and at McKinsey.