Ted Baker vows to revamp HR policies and names Lindsay Page as its new boss

The fashion retailer said it would not be making any comment on the specific allegations against Kelvin, but admitted the probe by law firm Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) had found “several areas for improvement”.  

The results of the investigation were revealed as Ted Baker named Lindsay Page as Kelvin’s successor on a permanent basis. Page has held the role on an interim basis since Kelvin took a leave of absence from the business last December.

Kelvin resigned in March amid the ‘forced hugging’ row, but denies the claims against him. 

Following the investigation, Ted Baker said it would bring in renewed training for all employees around its HR policies, procedures and “acceptable workplace conduct”.

It has introduced an independent and confidential “whistleblowing hotline” for staff to raise any workplace concerns. Non-executive director for engagement Sharon Baylay will continue to oversee people and culture matters within the company.

Later this year, Ted Baker will also conduct a survey of all employees about the working environment “in order to gauge views on the improvements that have been made” and to gain feedback on what else could be done “to make Ted Baker an even better place to work”.

The retailer’s executive chairman David Bernstein said: “We are determined to learn from this process and, moving forward, cultivate a better environment for all employees where they always feel respected and valued.

“We are implementing changes and improvements and are committed to developing best-practice HR policies and procedures that reflect the Ted culture we are looking to develop and enhance in the future.”