Exhibit A: Witness Corroboration of CAIRF's Hostile Environment. Dispatches from Inside DSIT's Central AI Risk (Dys)Function - How Hostile Leadership Broke Its Own Mission
Others saw it too.
**For the avoidance of doubt: I am not suicidal. I am young, in excellent physical and mental health, in full possession of my mental faculties and am looking forward to building a free, full life. Any sudden deterioration, unexplained harm to my person, my wellbeing or any unexplained interference with my communication must be treated with the highest suspicion.**
Good morning.
Today’s addition to the archive will include excerpts from an email exchange between myself and a supportive colleague who corroborated the hostile environment in CAIRF.
My email to him, dated Friday 7th February 2025:
“…my negative experience during my time in CAIRF which, in my experience, has a toxic culture that is hostile, unwelcoming and flagrantly disrespectful to those who do not fit the dominant mould.
You were a sharp contrast to that culture in CAIRF, and I just want to thank you for that. You always treated me with the utmost respect and professionalism, and that meant the world to me—especially in a team where I often felt isolated. You might not have realised it, but in an environment that often felt unwelcoming, your kindness and integrity stood out. That’s something I deeply respect and will always be grateful to you for.
I met with [REDACTED] today to hand in my IT and he reassured me that he'd speak to those in the team that contributed to the toxic environment. I know that meaningful change won't happen unless real leadership step in, so I have escalated my concerns all the way up to Emran. I covered in his PO for a week, so he knows me vaguely, and I trust that he will handle this appropriately.
I just wanted to say that I really appreciate how you carried yourself in this team. You let your incredible work speak for itself without ever being performative or needing to be the loudest voice in the room, and I’ve always respected that. I have no doubt that you’ll continue to thrive in your new role.
I truly wish you all happiness, good health, and success in your future. Your new team are lucky to have you.
He responded with this:
“I really appreciate you reaching out and for your kind words—they mean a lot. At the same time, I was saddened, though unfortunately not entirely surprised, to hear about your negative experience at CAIRF. No one should have to work in an environment that is hostile and disrespectful, and I’m truly sorry that was the reality. It’s deeply frustrating that a public service organisation forces good, talented people out, who don’t fit the narrow mould. You are 100% right not to accept those standards and I wish I fought your corner more at the time. It's besides the point, but the quality of your work was exceptional. Your CM VAWG paper is an example of output that some individuals in the CAIRF team(SEO/G7s inclusive) have never produced to that level of quality. You'll go on to better things I'm sure.
I really respect your decision to escalate your concerns. Based on my limited exposure to Emran, I think he will address this with the sensitivity and sincerity it requires.”
It wasn’t just me who noticed the hostile, discriminatory environment.
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