The head of the civil service, Simon Case, and the MI6 chief, Richard Moore, have both made the decision to resign from their memberships at the Garrick Club, a historic male-only establishment, following public scrutiny and pressure to promote inclusivity.
Their actions come shortly after an expose by the Guardian brought to light their memberships at the exclusive club, which has barred women from becoming members for nearly 200 years. The developments have sparked discussions on gender equality and representation among the elite in the UK.
Simon Case, who leads the British civil service, faced backlash for justifying his membership by stating he aimed to effect change from within the club. The Cabinet Office confirmed his resignation from the Garrick Club on Wednesday, signaling a shift towards more inclusive practices.
Richard Moore, the head of MI6, the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service, also chose to step down from his membership following internal criticism within the organization. Moore, who had initially expressed intentions to advocate for women’s admission to the club, reconsidered his position after reflecting on its impact on MI6’s efforts to diversify its workforce.
Their decisions are likely to prompt reflection among other prominent members of the Garrick Club, including judges, lawyers, politicians, and influential figures from various sectors, on the importance of fostering inclusivity and breaking away from outdated traditions.
Hannah White, director of the Institute for Government, emphasized the significance of senior leaders’ actions in setting the tone for inclusivity within organizations, stressing the negative message conveyed by Case and Moore’s club memberships to junior members of the civil service and intelligence community.
Noteworthy members of the Garrick Club include a supreme court judge, several high-ranking legal professionals, members of the House of Lords, and individuals from diverse fields such as academia, entertainment, and journalism. The exposure of these memberships has raised concerns among legal experts like Helen Mountfield and Karon Monaghan about the potential impact on judicial impartiality and perceptions of fairness.
The developments at the Garrick Club underscore broader conversations about gender equality, discrimination, and the role of prestigious institutions in shaping societal norms and values. The resignations of Simon Case and Richard Moore signal a growing momentum towards greater inclusivity and diversity within Britain’s most influential circles.
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