Charity boss sacked for allegedly providing illegal drugs to staff

Campaign group 38 Degrees has dismissed its executive director for gross misconduct after finding he had provided illegals drugs to staff.

A statement from the group’s chair, Srabani Sen, has confirmed that David Babbs has been sacked and that a wider independent investigation into other allegations regarding his conduct has been launched.

Babbs is one of the founding members of the online campaigning organisation, which launched in 2009 and is funded by donations from its members.

Sen’s statement said: “The 38 Degrees board has dismissed David Babbs from his role as executive director for gross misconduct. He was found to have provided illegal drugs to staff members – behaviour which failed to meet the standards expected of him as executive director.

“Separately the board has commissioned an independent external investigation into a number of other allegations which have been made relating to David’s conduct.

“We’ve launched this investigation to determine the facts about what happened, and are committed to seeing this process through. The allegations do not relate to any alleged financial impropriety and do not in any way imperil the financial position or assets of 38 Degrees.

Current campaigns by 38 Degrees are covering issues including NHS waiting times, outsourcing, Amazon’s tax payments and immigration.

“38 Degrees is unwavering in our determination to hold those in power to the highest possible standards. We are holding ourselves to the same standards,” added Sen.

“The board considers the welfare of our staff to be one of our highest priorities. We are also conducting a review to ensure our processes and procedures live up to that commitment. We’re working closely with our senior leadership team to ensure 38 Degrees continues to champion people power, at a time in British politics when our voices are needed more than ever.”