Tribunal Upholds Two Racial Harassment Claims Against Council

An employment tribunal has upheld two racial harassment claims against Peterborough City Council following allegations made by former director of legal and governance, Rochelle Tapping. The tribunal’s decision, published on November 14, 2025, comes after a lengthy hearing in Cambridge that examined multiple claims of discrimination during Ms. Tapping’s employment, which lasted from November 2022 until her dismissal in August 2023.

During the tribunal proceedings, Ms. Tapping presented a total of 43 complaints, but only two were upheld as valid. Throughout the process, the tribunal heard testimonies from 21 witnesses, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Ms. Tapping’s claims. Notably, she was identified as potentially the first black appointment to the monitoring officer role at Peterborough City Council, and possibly the first black permanent member of its corporate leadership team.

The tribunal found that Ms. Tapping made a strong initial impression during her recruitment, with colleagues describing her as “a breath of fresh air.” However, she alleged that her tenure was marred by bias after senior council executives were informed of her previous dispute with Birmingham City Council, where she claimed racial discrimination.

Details of Upheld Complaints

One of the upheld complaints stemmed from an incident in February 2023, where Matt Gladstone, the council’s chief executive, inquired if Ms. Tapping was friends with the council’s interim head of legal, Adsuwa Omoregie, who is also black. During the tribunal, Ms. Omoregie expressed her discomfort with the question, stating it was “unusual.” Mr. Gladstone clarified that he intended no offense and that it was not uncommon for senior leaders to inquire about professional relationships. The tribunal noted that while the question was inappropriate, it was a “slip of the tongue” rather than a deliberate act of discrimination.

Another upheld complaint occurred in April 2023, involving a message sent by the former chief finance officer, Cecilie Booth. She shared a photograph in a WhatsApp group that was perceived to depict a naked black woman, which was, in fact, an image of a woman in carnival attire taken during a holiday in Brazil. Ms. Tapping, as the only black member of the group, expressed that this communication contributed to a degrading environment. The tribunal acknowledged that while Ms. Booth’s intentions were not offensive, the context made Ms. Tapping’s feelings of discomfort valid.

Council’s Response and Future Actions

In light of the tribunal’s findings, Mr. Gladstone issued a statement expressing relief that most allegations were dismissed. He emphasized the council’s commitment to learning from the case and reaffirmed the importance of diversity within the organization. “Recognising and valuing diversity is one of our core corporate values,” he stated. “We will continue to promote a culture where everyone is treated equitably, regardless of race or any other protected characteristic.”

The tribunal’s ruling highlighted that the remaining complaints made by Ms. Tapping were not upheld due to a lack of evidence supporting her claims of unwanted conduct and detriment. The decision underscores the ongoing challenges organizations face in addressing issues of discrimination and fostering an inclusive work environment.