PLEASE NOTE - the SNU conventionally publishes its statements in graphic and plain text form on our social media channels. However, given the length of this update, we are providing it as a standalone web page so that members can read it at their comfort and convenience.

---

SNU statement and update on the AFC tutor dispute and associated commentary, including abuse of staff and SNU officials - Tuesday 3rd September 2024.

Over the past few weeks and months, there has been considerable speculation and input, particularly across social media, regarding the tutor dispute at the Arthur Findlay College.

We are now in a position to share further information.

In February 2024, a complaint was filed, requesting the removal of the President of the Spiritualists’ National Union, including the removal of her awards and Ministership. This was in addition to refusals to sign a proposed updated tutor agreement, which the Union was seeking to establish clear expectations for behaviour and conduct, as well as to clarify tutors’ employment status when working at the Arthur Findlay College. This legal work was long overdue, and was progressed by the current NEC, under advisement.

It is noted that this agreement was accepted by a significant number of AFC tutors, at the time.

In the hopes of resolving the situation, under further advisement, an independent ‘commission of inquiry’ was established (which the SNU agreed to pay for), made up of an external panel of experts in industrial disputes and employment law, to hear and oversee the complaint.

Prior to this, the complainants had been given three separate opportunities to meet with members of the NEC to discuss their concerns around the tutor agreement.

On 22nd July 2024, whilst the work of this independent commission was still underway, twenty tutors issued an online statement, citing their unwillingness to work at the college under the “current leadership of the SNU, or the direction of the current Collegiate Committee.” This coincided with the start of the SNU elections, including for the very role the tutors had requested the removal of at the outset of the dispute. During this period, the SNU were advised to refrain from public comment, except for two agreed statements.

The tutors issued additional demands, including their removal from the AFC website within 24 hours, in addition to all write-ups, courses etc. within 48 hours, to stop students from booking on courses that would not be taking place. Naturally, this placed the charity and the college in a very difficult situation.

On 4th August 2024, the Sun newspaper published a damaging article, entitled: “MYSTIC MELTDOWN: Britain’s top school for wannabe Mystic Megs hit with sudden staff walkout.” The article went on to make a series of embarrassing comments about our religion in a tone that was perceived by many within the membership to be derisory and mocking. The SNU were advised to not comment at that time.

On 24th August, the tutors who had withdrawn their services received a letter which stated the SNU have had no choice but to remove them from courses in 2025 and to create alternative programmes for students to book onto. This is because courses and the college programme are booked far in advance, in order to give students necessary time to make travel arrangements.

This stipulation is for 2025 only, off of the back of the tutor’s own expressed intent to withdraw their services, and whilst the work of the commission is still ongoing.

As of today, the Arthur Findlay College is continuing to move forward. The complainants indicated they would withdraw their services from the College, as of 24th August. This is regrettable, but we respect the decision and the autonomy of the tutors. However, given that the tutors took this decision of their own accord, it is neither factual nor fair to claim that these tutors were ‘sacked’. As a charity and employer, the Union and college have of course had to consult contracts and agreements that were in place, and assess whether the tutors’ actions were in breach of any of these things. We await the outcome of the commission before we are able to comment any further on this.

Staff across the college and Union have taken (and will continue to take) steps to safeguard the College’s reputation and to minimise disruption for our students, some of whom travel great distances to attend. We are pleased that cancellations have been few, and courses are continuing to run. Additional amendments to the programme have been made to ensure that students will still receive the high quality of tutoring we expect at the AFC.

In recent days, we have been made aware of the removal of certain portraits on the AFC tutor wall. This was an action and decision taken in-house by staff at the AFC after some of the tutors involved had specifically requested for their photographs to be removed. This was not in any way requested or instructed by anyone on the NEC or Collegiate, and it is disappointing to see wholly unfounded comments and posts being shared suggesting this to be the case. It is our understanding that these tutors' portraits have since been returned to the wall.

Whilst we fully appreciate the extent to which members, students and visitors have been invested in and concerned by the ongoing situation, this simply does not excuse some of the conduct that has been experienced in recent weeks. Staff, officers and volunteers who have a right to undertake their jobs and work in a safe and respectful environment, and who are trying to help navigate a path through a difficult situation, have been subject to personal attacks, ridicule and harassment. This has been documented and shall be dealt with accordingly in due course, as the Union has a legal duty to protect its staff and workers.

Further, misinformation and unfounded claims, at times shared by individuals who have admitted to not being in full possession of the facts, have had a considerable impact upon the mental health and wellbeing of individuals who are earnestly trying to resolve the situation.

We would like to remind everyone who comments on the situation - both directly and externally - that you are fully entitled to your opinion, but that freedom of speech is not an absolute right. It must be balanced with the laws of defamation of character (libel and slander), harassment and intimidation, and regulations relating to online abuse.

The recent elections made it clear that the majority of members support the current NEC and President, with a decisive outcome and result. The democratic process underpins our Union, so now we call on all Spiritualists - members and beyond - to come together and join in a positive march forward. The divisive rhetoric and attacks of recent months, the mocking newspaper articles, the unfounded claims and misinformation - none of this shows our movement and religion in anything but a negative and damaging light. We can all collectively be better, and we humbly and earnestly ask that those participating in any negative online campaigning to please reconsider and allow the proper processes to be completed by those with full possession of the facts. We have strived to keep members and friends as up to date as possible, but given the circumstances this has had to continually be under advisement.

We shall be issuing updated guidance and policy on the likes of social media over the coming weeks and months (a process that began back in 2023) as above all, we must ensure those who work or volunteer for the charity are safeguarded and protected from harmful behaviour and content.

And finally, whilst we regret the outcome and the course that events have taken, we nevertheless thank all the departing tutors for their work.

---

First published Tuesday 3rd September 2024.