Overview

• The Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme investigated 69 cases of bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct in the year to April 2025, up from 47 the previous year.
• MPs were the largest group of alleged perpetrators, followed by Commons employees, staff working for MPs and members of the House of Lords.
• Nearly one in five complaints cited alcohol as a factor, with the substance notably prevalent in sexual misconduct cases.
• Only four complaints were upheld, while the majority were withdrawn, found out of scope or remained unresolved by the end of the reporting period.
• The ICGS has faced criticism for slow investigations, some exceeding 12 months, leading director Thea Walton to vow accelerated case completions.