Review being carried out with 'deep understanding of Te Ao Māori'
The Department of Corrections is asking consultancy firm EY to carry out an internal review for its handling of sexual harassment complaints, according to reports.
Stuff reported this weekend that EY will review how the department prevents sexual harassment in the workplace and how it handles complaints.
The review, which will also make recommendations for change, will be shared with employees before being released to the public later this year, according to the report, which cited internal documents.
Juanita Ryan, Corrections deputy chief executive, said EY was the only contender that met the department's requirements.
"EY indicated extensive local psychosocial risk management expertise, in addition to access to international expertise in this area," Ryan told Stuff.
According to the official, it was important that the review was carried out with a "deep understanding of Te Ao Māori" to ensure that wellbeing is protected and upheld in culturally appropriate ways.
The internal review was carried out following reports of "inappropriate behaviour" among some of department's staff, including senior ones, according to Stuff.
Allegations against EY
EY's handling of the review came as the consultancy firm itself faces allegations of having an unhealthy and toxic workplace culture. Its chair, Braden Dickson, left the organisation early this year for "historical behavioural matter."
Ryan noted that they are aware of the reports about EY, saying: "We are awaiting their response."
A review of EY's workplace culture last year revealed that its reporting mechanism is suffering from low trust - but the organisation has since committed to carrying out the recommended changes from the review.
