Update on the Behaviour and Conduct Office’s Progress – Raewyn Bleakley, Deputy Chief Executive, Office of the Chief Executive

By Raewyn Bleakley, Deputy Chief Executive, Office of the Chief Executive | Published: 16/03/2022 | Respect, inclusion and culture | National

Kia ora koutou,

I’m pleased to provide another update on progress to embed our Behaviour and Conduct Office.

The transition to the permanent Office over the last few months has continued to advance. We have been working hard behind the scenes on our processes and systems, while delivering support to everyone who’s contacted us with enquiries or complaints about unwanted interpersonal behaviour.

KPMG’s independent review of the Behaviour and Conduct Office(external link) is now available for your reference. This review was commissioned in 2021 to make sure we were on the right track.

The assessment found the Behaviour and Conduct Office has appropriate support mechanisms, such as support from leadership, appropriate prioritisation and planned resourcing levels to meet its intended objectives.

The assessment also identified several opportunities for us to further strengthen our processes. This continuous improvement will help us to fully meet the principles of natural justice, address staff and volunteers’ complaints and help us build our positive workplace culture.

I’m pleased to let you know the following actions have been completed over the last quarter:

New “How Do I” guides have been published with clear processes on what to do if bullying, harassment or unwanted interpersonal behaviour is occurring. These guides provide advice for people experiencing unwanted behaviour, managers, support people, and what to do if someone approaches you with feedback about your own behaviour.
New guidance developed for complainants to provide support while a process is underway.
New process implemented so the Behaviour and Conduct Office develops a bespoke safety plan for each case, working with complainants, respondents and witnesses to address specific safety needs.
A decision document has been approved, providing a clear definition of how Fire and Emergency’s internal support networks interact with the Behaviour and Conduct Office.
‘End to end’ oversight of the complaints process has been established in the Behaviour and Conduct Office processes, with improved data and reporting mechanisms developed.
Interim case management system implemented.
Governance by the Board sub-committee for People and Culture in place.

The remaining actions to fully implement the improvement opportunities identified by KPMG will be completed by June 2022.

One important area we are currently focusing on is identifying and appointing appropriate external people to the Behaviour and Conduct Office decision making panel. This is an important step to further strengthen the impartiality of the complaints process, and address questions raised during the consultation. I will update you once these appointments have been made.

In the meantime, I encourage you to take time to read the How to Guides and other materials available. If you would like any support or to have a confidential conversation about any questions, concerns or incidents please contact the Behaviour and Conduct Office directly:

by phone on 0800 470 951, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.
Outside these hours, please leave us a voicemail and a member of the team will call you back. Messages are regularly checked throughout the day.
By email at bco@fireandemergency.nz