A taxpayer-funded charity that runs a prestigious art school in Rome has been accused of failing in its duty of care after allegations of mismanagement, a “toxic” working environment and unfair working practices.
The British School at Rome (BSR) launched an inquiry after 24 staff, former employees and alumni complained about the charity’s operations in April 2020 to its trustees. It was alleged that staff were suffering “physical and mental health issues” because of poor working conditions.
It is alleged a “grievance panel” set up by the charity’s trustees to investigate the claims was suspended before it reported its findings. The charity said last week it had conducted a “comprehensive, independent and confidential” investigation.
BSR was established in 1901 and is housed in a neoclassical building in Rome designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Alumni include Turner prize winners Elizabeth Price and Mark Wallinger. It receives more than half of its funding from the British Academy, which is supported by a grant from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
NHS nurses are taxed so that Tarquin and Jocasta can do art in Rome?
That’s something that’ll get knifed come the neoliberal revolution.
Close examination of the text suggests that beneficiaries have names like Elizabeth and Mark but it’s wonderful to bang a saucepan for heroic NHS nurses, of course.
Nope. Taxpayers get rinsed so Jocantha and Tarquin can TEACH art in Rome… to Elizabeth and Mark and Jeremy and Samantha.
Spot on by Andrew Again
“taxpayer funded charity”. So, not a charity then.