EXCLUSIVE: ArtsEd chair Brian Brodie has stop for private causes. His choice follows criticism of the board’s dealing with of bullying allegations on the esteemed London drama college.

Brodie, a monetary companies govt, has stepped down after becoming a member of Andrew Lloyd Webber-backed ArtsEd in July 2022. One in every of his final actions was to launch an unbiased, barrister-led inquiry after Deadline uncovered misconduct allegations towards ArtsEd principal Julie Spencer.

Trustee Farida Mannan introduced Brodie’s resignation in an e-mail to oldsters of ArtsEd college students on Friday. Mannan has been named performing chair. Spencer is on medical depart and won’t return to work whereas the investigation is ongoing.

“I admire that the previous couple of weeks have been immensely difficult for the organisation,” Mannan stated. “The allegations raised in current media protection are severe and don’t mirror our values or the organisation we wish to be.”

Greater than 100 dad and mom complained to ArtsEd, elevating questions in regards to the board’s dealing with of the allegations, which embrace a leaked recording of Spencer branding college students “snakes” and threatening them with authorized motion. Brodie apologized for a scarcity of communication with dad and mom.

Mannan echoed this sentiment in her e-mail on Friday. “It’s clear to me that we’ve communicated poorly and ineffectively with you on a few of these issues in the previous couple of weeks, and this has positioned an undue burden upon you,” ArtsEd’s performing chair stated.

Mannan revealed that Ghazaleh Rezaie, the senior legal professional engaged to analyze the allegations, is anticipated to report again to the board together with her findings in March subsequent 12 months. A number of sources have advised Deadline that they intend to submit proof.

It’s the second unbiased investigation at ArtsEd in as a few years after barrister Rebecca Tuck present in 2021 that the establishment demonstrated a “lack of regard” for the wellbeing of scholars, exposing them to favoritism, bullying, and different misconduct.

Mannan stated: “I admire that considerations have been raised about endeavor one other investigation lower than three years after the Rebecca Tuck KC evaluate. We’re absolutely conscious that any evaluate of this sort will imply a major dedication of time and sources, however we imagine that it’s the honest, applicable and accountable plan of action, and demonstrates how severe we’re about holding ourselves to the very best requirements.”

Lloyd Webber is ArtsEd’s president and his basis has donated tens of millions of kilos to the varsity. He has not commented on the allegations.