Pros
Lots of brilliant people lower down the organisation who care deeply about the mission and are working hard to deliver. People and Culture team are doing their best, but are fighting a losing battle due to leadership team that don’t value people.
Cons
One exec team member is a known bully and remains in post despite numerous complaints being raised about his behaviour, which creates a very toxic working environment. Regularly sneers and snarls at staff at all levels in meetings, frequently criticises people, including his own team, behind their backs creating a culture of fear and mistrust. Appears untouchable. Rest of executive team. including the CEO and Chair, appear too weak to tackle this, despite all acknowledging in private that the behaviour is unacceptable. Leadership is chaotic. Very top-down - CEO is A and E doctor and runs the organisation like a hospital ward - hasn’t got a clue how to lead people or deal with conflict. Constant fire fighting and no strategy. Women are treated poorly and dismissed/patronised/not listened to - significant number of senior female staff members have either been exited or felt forced to leave. An organisation supposedly valuing the health of the nation and diversity within research definitely doesn’t value the health or diversity of its own staff.