The Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) is UK Parliament’s independent mechanism for investigating allegations of bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct across the parliamentary community. Established in 2018, the Scheme plays a key role in promoting a safe, respectful and professional working environment, and in maintaining trust and confidence in Parliament as an institution.
The ICGS operates across both the House of Commons and the House of Lords and is open to all current and former members of the parliamentary community. Since its inception, it has evolved in response to independent external reviews and continuous learning and is underpinned by a clear policy framework and robust procedures. Its work is high-profile, sensitive and complex, requiring independence, integrity and the highest professional standards.
At the heart of the Scheme are independent, high-quality investigations. Complaints that meet the Scheme’s eligibility criteria are investigated by Independent Investigators appointed through an Open Framework. These investigators are responsible for conducting thorough, fair and timely investigations, reaching evidence-based recommendations on whether alleged behaviour occurred and whether it constitutes a breach of the definitions in the Policy Framework.
The ICGS is now seeking to appoint up to 20 experienced Independent Investigators to join a newly established Open Framework to investigate allegations of bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct. Investigators are appointed as independent contractors and are allocated work on a case-by-case basis, matched to their skills and experience.
These are demanding and highly responsible roles. Independent Investigators make the decision on Initial Assessments and conduct Full Assessments, interview complainants, respondents and witnesses, gather and analyse documentary and other evidence, and produce clear, rigorous reports to a defined evidential standard. They work within structured investigative and quality-assurance processes while always exercising independent judgement. Many service users will be vulnerable, and investigators are expected to apply trauma-informed practice throughout their work.
Successful applicants will bring substantial experience of investigating complex and sensitive cases of bullying, harassment and/or sexual misconduct, strong analytical and report writing skills, and a demonstrable commitment to integrity, confidentiality and impartiality. Investigators must also be able to work effectively within formal procedural frameworks and in collaboration with ICGS Case Managers and oversight bodies, while maintaining strict independence. The ICGS sees timeliness as a feature of quality and expects Investigators to be able to work to tight timescales, progressing investigations at pace while maintaining high levels of quality.
By joining the ICGS Framework, you will play a vital role in upholding fairness, accountability and confidence across the parliamentary community, and in ensuring that complaints are handled with professionalism, dignity and respect.
Following the selection process, successful applicants will be required to go through vetting and induction. The ICGS anticipates that the new Framework will begin operation in early 2027.
Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to The Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference OHXH.