The Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC) has announced that its CEO, Mridul Wadhwa, has resigned following a report by Rape Crisis Scotland. The investigation discovered that Wadhwa, a trans woman, failed to maintain her professionalism in her position as the head of the ERCC. The report also revealed that she “did not understand the limits of her authority,” and the needs of survivors were not taken into account. The ERCC board confirmed that they are implementing recommendations from the report but recognized that the “time was right for a change of leadership.”
An employment tribunal inspired the Rape Crisis Scotland investigation. It found that former worker Roz Adams, who has gender-critical views, was unfairly constructively dismissed. Adams believed individuals using the service should be aware of the sex of the staff dealing with their case. As a result, new referrals to the ERCC have been paused, and the charity has expressed concerns that women-only spaces have not been provided in 16 months.
For Women Scotland, a campaign group opposing transgender rights, accused the board of ignoring their culpability. A spokesperson stated they were “making a sacrifice” to solve the problem they had created.
The report acknowledged that the charity had experienced challenges, including restructuring the service and board and trustee changes during the pandemic. The recommendations highlighted the importance of prioritizing survivors’ needs and taking advice from Rape Crisis Scotland on the definition of “woman” and publicizing this within the service. Women-only spaces and times “must be protected and clearly publicized.”
Scottish Conservative MSP Sue Webber criticized the charity for “imposing a militant gender ideology” under Wadhwa’s leadership. She argued that the company required a change in ethos to regain women’s trust rather than a change in leadership
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