Refuge manager resigns

Report:

THE manager of Dunedin’s Women’s Refuge has resigned after investigations revealed a raft of serious issues.

But the centre will be allowed to keep its government accreditation, albeit under close scrutiny, the Ministry of Social Development has confirmed.

Issues at Te Whare Pounamu Dunedin Women’s Refuge became public earlier this year after investigations found it fell short of three Social Sector Accreditation standards.

Women’s Refuge New Zealand chief executive Dr Ang Jury said an independent assessment essentially highlighted the same issues as other investigations, primarily workplace culture and some people ‘‘being a little bit loose with donations’’.

She confirmed the centre’s manager had resigned.

A Women’s Refuge national service leader was working in Dunedin in the interim, while recruitment for a new manager took place.

A Ministry of Social Development report, which summarised investigations carried out by the ministry and Deloitte, highlighted claims by former staff of bullying, unsafe work practices and theft of donated items.

The report said the claims ‘‘appear to have been substantiated to a degree that is concerning’’.

The ministry and Te Whare

Pounamu (TWP) were to meet by the end of September to determine whether corrective actions had been taken.

In a statement last week, ministry social services accreditation group general manager Barry Fisk said it was satisfied TWP had done enough to keep its accreditation, with ongoing monitoring.

‘‘We reviewed the evidence provided, considered management changes that had taken place, and also noted TWP commissioned an independent assessment in response to our concerns.

‘‘As TWP is also an affiliated member of the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges, they will also receive ongoing support and guidance from the collective, which we’re supportive of.’’

The ministry would monitor TWP closely over the next three months ‘‘to ensure all the recommended actions are embedded in practice’’.

Dr Jury said staff had been ‘‘through the wringer’’ and it would take time for them to start ‘‘holding their heads up’’.

‘‘There were definitely issues of process and people weren’t as tight and careful as they should have been.’’

She said the care of women using the service had not been raised as an issue in any of the investigations.

‘‘If you actually need help, give us a call, and that help will be there.

‘‘That work has not stopped.’’

❛ There were definitely issues of process . . .