UCCF apologises after investigation into workplace claims

The Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF) has apologised after a final report into allegations of breaching employment law and sexual discrimination upheld some of the complaints.

The report was published after a 10-month independent investigation into the allegations led by Hilary Winstone of Old Square Chambers.

The investigation upheld complaints relating to employment practices and contract procedures and concluded that in some instances the student organisation's termination policies may have been unlawful.

It also reported that some staff did not feel able to raise concerns in the past.

"It has been the consistent practice over several decades for CUSWs to leave their employment after three years, with some staying on for four or five years," UCCF said.

"The investigation found a small number of instances where the termination of CUSWs' contracts had been badly handled and conducted in ways that caused them considerable upset and were potentially unlawful."

Claims that UCCF and its staff had discriminated against women in its employment and ministry practices were not upheld.

The UCCF has apologised in response to the report and committed to a number of changes, including the appointment of a human resources director.

"The Trustees and Directors apologise unreservedly to those employees whose experiences fell short of what they were entitled to expect from UCCF, and for the hurt caused. We recognise that, as Christians, we need to honour our calling to work at the highest standard," it said.

"We are committed to ensuring that our policies and practices are lawful, fairly applied to all staff, and to fostering a Christ-like culture in which staff are not only valued but know they are valued, and where they can have the confidence to openly share any concerns they may have."

News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches

Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …

The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914

On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …

Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land

Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.

Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?

For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.