ACC commissions workplace review after two execs stood down

The ACC board has named RDC Group director Doug Craig and Simpson Grierson chair and partner Pip Muir as the independent reviewers. They will consider and report on the following:

• Experiences of staff with respect to ACC providing a positive, inclusive, and safe workplace
• ACC's current workplace culture, the factors contributing to it, and how the organisation is responding
• Whether ACC has taken effective steps to promote and create a positive, safe, and inclusive workplace culture
• Assess ACC's existing policies, systems, and procedures relating to inappropriate conduct and behaviour
• Consider whether ACC's recruitment and appointment systems and processes represent good practice

The reviewers will also make recommendations to improve:

• How ACC promotes and maintains an open, inclusive, and supportive culture for its people
• How ACC promotes and ensures the treatment of staff with respect and dignity
• ACC policies, systems, and procedures for dealing with complaints about inappropriate conduct and behaviour

An interim report on the initial findings will be released by the end of April 2025, while the final report will be provided by June 2.

Allegations against ACC executives

The review comes after media reports involving the behaviour of two deputy chief executives of the ACC, who have been stood down.

One of them is ACC deputy chief executive John Bennett, who became the subject of a complaint regarding his "physical contact with co-workers."

Stuff reported on March 7 that Bennett will not be working for ACC or Health New Zealand, where he was seconded, while the investigation is underway.

A later report on March 13 revealed that he would be "stepping down from his role at ACC effective immediately."

The other employee who was stood down is Rēnata Blair, who is the deputy Māori chief executive, according to a separate report from Stuff.

According to the report, which cited ACC chief executive Megan Main, Blair is "not currently working" amid investigation after it was reported that he had been involved in "drunken and inappropriate behaviour" at a work function.

'Potentially serious' issues

The ACC cited the "issues and allegations about some senior executive conduct and behaviour" in its terms of reference for the independent culture review.

"Issues of this nature are potentially serious," the ACC said.

It said it confirmed with ACC Minister Scott Simpson the commissioning of the review in response to the concerns.

According to the ACC, the minister issued the board with a letter setting out his expectations for ensuring that it is providing a safe and positive workplace culture.

"This letter of expectation included providing appropriate and confidential ways for staff to share concerns about inappropriate conduct and behaviour, and ensuring that these concerns were properly considered," the ACC said.

"The Review is an important and necessary step to understand whether ACC is meeting the standards required for a positive, inclusive and safe workplace."