'Impact, not intention' | BBC's Strictly settlement shows why HR must act early on bullying concerns

HR leaders should not wait for employees to make formal complaints before intervening in potential cases of bullying or harassment, a solicitor has warned following the settlement of Amanda Abbington’s dispute with the BBC.

The actor reportedly received a five-figure sum from BBC Studios after raising allegations about her experience on Strictly Come Dancing, where she was partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice.

Elizabeth Maxwell, senior associate solicitor at Morr & Co, said the case should remind employers that the effect of someone’s behaviour can matter more than how that behaviour was intended.

“This is an important reminder that workplace culture is judged by impact rather than intention,” she said.