Yorkshire County Cricket Club today announces that its independent whistleblowing hotline will be operational from Monday 15 November.

Anyone wishing to lodge a formal complaint about any form of discrimination or harassment that they have suffered as a result of any act or omission of the Club will be able to do so using a dedicated email address.

We are also pleased to announce that Mohinderpal Sethi QC of Littleton Chambers has been appointed to lead the independent investigation process which will consider any allegations that are lodged through the hotline.  Mr Sethi QC is Head of the Employment Team at Littleton Chambers and Chair of the Employment Law Bar Association. He is a leading expert in discrimination and whistleblowing in the world of elite sports, and recently conducted an independent investigation for British Gymnastics into complaints brought by Olympians.

Mr Sethi QC will be announcing the terms of reference for his investigation process in due course. More information will be uploaded to the dedicated website page: www.yorkshireccc.com/whistleblower.

Professor The Lord Patel of Bradford OBE, Chair of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, said:

“We need to listen to those who have experienced discrimination or harassment to help guide how we move forward as a Club. Since my appointment, I have urged others to come forward to share their experiences and I thank all of those who have spoken up so far. 

“Setting up an independent whistleblowing hotline will allow there to be a safe space for people to come forward, secure in the knowledge that their complaint will be taken seriously, and I am happy to say that we have been able to put this in place within the week. 

“Mohinderpal Sethi QC is eminently qualified in this area, and brings a wealth of experience as well as being completely independent from the Club. 

“We are very pleased that he has taken on the role, which is a vital first step towards ensuring that we can move forward from our past, to hear from those who have suffered, and to take action.  I am determined to make the Club an inclusive and diverse environment for everyone with a passion for County cricket”.

Mohinderpal Sethi QC said:

“I welcome the opportunity to lead this important independent investigation process. Those who report their complaints to the Whistleblowing Hotline should feel reassured that these matters will be addressed in a careful and impartial manner.”  

Liaison with West Yorkshire Police

Yorkshire County Cricket Club categorically condemns any harassment of its staff, which has recently included death threats. Nobody should feel discriminated against or abused and that includes the staff at Headingley. 

Lord Patel has had ongoing liaison with West Yorkshire Police since his appointment about this issue. Staff have been informed how to report any incidents and will be supported throughout the process.