Fonterra has banned some EY staff from its premises and launched an investigationA previous review, described by O’Connor as “the most comprehensive review of workplace culture ever undertaken in the New Zealand professional services industry”, was released in July 2023.
Why the turnaround from Corrections?
When Corrections asked EY for the “please explain”, EY responded with a four page letter outlining why it believed it deserved to keep the Corrections contract. Corrections has released that letter, from O’Connor, and EY Engagement Partner Pip Best, to Stuff.
It explains that after the independent review by Elizabeth Broderick & Co, which explored bullying, sexual harassment, racism, psychological safety and the impact of workplace demands on the wellbeing of EY staff, the company realised that in some critical areas “we have fallen short of the standard EY people have a right to expect”.
The letter says EY had made “strong progress in addressing more than half of [the review’s] 27 recommendations”.
“Ultimately, our progress is measured in enhancing the lived experiences of our people. This is represented in the way we listen and respect our people of diverse backgrounds and experiences, the behaviour of our leaders, and in new initiatives to improve…psychological and physical safety.”
It stated that the departure of EY chair Braden Dickson in February “demonstrates our willingness to take action against individuals who don’t meet the high standards of conduct and behaviour that we expect from our people and partners”.
Former EY NZ chair Braden Dickson left the company in February after an investigation into an historical behavioural matterSTUFF
