This statement is in response to a serious safeguarding incident that has deeply impacted our community. It has highlighted that we need to better embed care, safety and anti-oppressive practices into all our policies and structures.

Following reports of alleged sexual violence committed by a member of our organisation at a private residence, our initial safeguarding response was not survivor-centred, transparent, or robust.

Our response drew on a legalistic understanding of safeguarding that falls short of our political principles and values, and our responsibility to our members. In doing so, it contributed to the systemic injustices survivors face.

We acknowledge that poor communication and decision making in the absence of adequate processes have caused pain, confusion, and concern. For many, this has reinforced patterns of being unheard and unsupported in moments of crisis, and has disproportionately impacted global majority, queer and transgender members in their ability to engage with the union.

We are sorry for the harm our response has caused and are committed to rebuilding trust through action.

Our organisation exists to fight for justice and dignity for our members. These principles must guide not only our campaigns, but our internal culture and practices. When harm occurs, there must be a just, transparent, and accountable process to respond.

We have convened an Emergency Strategy Group of experienced members to oversee a clear and accountable process of organisational investigation, reflection, and change. This team has been convened by the committee, and consists of committee members, staff and lay members from different branches.

We believe that the members of this group hold trust within the union's membership, however the group will be ratified, and open to scrutiny at the next All-Members Meeting on Thursday 22nd May. This team is responsible for:

• Reviewing the past organisational response, so a clear picture of what has happened can inform the changes we make now
• Undertaking a comprehensive safeguarding review, guided by external expertise and opening up consultation with members
• Signposting affected members to independent support and advocacy services, and supporting their meaningful participation
• Creating opportunities for democratic participation in shaping new safeguarding and governance practices that reflect our values
• Strengthening our governance and processes and ensuring a wider understanding of how to initiate and conduct safeguarding, whistleblowing, and complaints procedures

To inform or participate in the ongoing process, or if there is any support you would require for you to be able to attend the All Members Meeting, please contact the Emergency Strategy Group at esg@tenantsunion.org.uk.

This is a painful moment for our organisation and our communities. But it is also a moment to step up as an organisation — to reckon with our shortcomings and to recommit to building structures that live up to our values. We are not here to protect reputations. We are here to protect people.

We will keep you informed and invite your continued engagement, honesty, and care as we move forward together and we hope you will support us in making GMTU a safer space for all members, and play a part in making vital changes for the better.

In Solidarity,
GMTU

We urge anyone directly affected by sexual violence in the organisation to contact our Emergency Strategy Group at esg@tenantsunion.org.uk. Your concerns will be heard in confidence and we will signpost to local support and advocacy services who are best placed to offer direct support.

Please be aware by emailing to report concerns using the email above that GMTU’s interim safeguarding lead will have access to your full response, including any sensitive and personal data you may choose to share, your full response may also be shared, if appropriate, and requested, with another GMTU role holder or staff member of your choice, so they can contact you with a view to provide you with any relevant support GMTU may be able to offer.

Subsequently, all responses will be anonymised, with any personally identifiable data removed. The anonymised data will be shared with an independent review panel who will review this data to ensure appropriate action has been taken by GMTU, and trends identified, and changes for can be made to strengthen our safeguarding as an organisation.

If you change your mind about how your data is used please email esg@tenantsunion.org.uk

Below is a list of local support and advocacy services in the area supporting survivors of sexual violence.

https://lgbt.foundation/help/lgbtq-independent-sexual-violence-advisor/
https://www.wearesurvivors.org.uk/
https://rapecrisis.org.uk/find-a-centre/greater-manchester-rape-crisis/