In April 2026, four employees of Writing on the Wall were dismissed after raising serious concerns about workplace culture, management practices and staff welfare.

Before our dismissal, we submitted a collective grievance that included statements from numerous former employees describing similar experiences. We followed internal processes, attended hearings and appeals, and sought to have our concerns addressed through the appropriate channels.

Instead, we lost our jobs.

Since then, we have launched the Support the WoW4 campaign to seek accountability, transparency and an independent investigation into the issues we raised.

Our campaign has received significant support from former staff, members of Liverpool's cultural community, trade unionists, campaigners and members of the public who believe that whistleblowers should be heard, not punished.

We are now pursuing employment tribunal claims while continuing to campaign for a fair and independent investigation into workplace practices and governance at Writing on the Wall.

Employment tribunals are lengthy, complex and expensive. Funds raised through this appeal will help cover:

• Legal costs and tribunal-related expenses

• Campaign materials and public awareness activities

• Website, communications and outreach costs

• Other expenses directly connected to pursuing our case and campaign

This campaign is about more than the four of us. It is about protecting workers who speak up, ensuring accountability within the cultural sector, and demonstrating that concerns about workplace culture should be properly investigated rather than ignored.

We know many people are facing financial pressures and understand that not everyone can donate. Sharing this fundraiser, following our campaign and helping us spread the word are equally valuable forms of support.

Thank you for standing with us.

Rachael Hankin, Shahrzad Akbar, Jenny Dalton and Lyn Papadopoulos

The WoW4