Harrods has appointed an advocate for survivors following the allegations of sexual misconduct against the luxury department store’s former owner Mohamed Al-Fayed.

In her role, human rights campaigner Dame Jasvinder Sanghera will meet “as many survivors as possible” and guide them through the retailer’s compensation process. 

Harrods said more than 290 people were so far “engaged” in the process.

Fayed, who died last year aged 94, was accused of sexual assault by more than 20 women in a BBC documentary and podcast in September.

Justice for Harrods Survivors, which represents some of the many more accusers who have emerged, said “only a truly independent, robust and transparent process” could address the needs of survivors.

Since the initial complaints were revealed, more women have come forward with allegations of assault, harassment and rape over a period of more than 30 years when they were Fayed’s employees.

The allegations also cover abuse that allegedly took place at Fulham FC, the Ritz Hotel Paris, as well as other places owned by Fayed.

The Knightsbridge department store said Dame Jasvinder’s appointment was an extension of its claims process which “includes counselling as well as payment of all reasonable legal fees incurred by claimants”.

In a statement, Dame Jasvinder said survivors “deserve representation from someone who genuinely understands and prioritises their best interests.”

She added: “I am honoured to be a part of this project as I fundamentally believe Harrods wish to get this right.”