Dunedin’s rape crisis charity a ‘toxic’ place to work

Current and former staff at a charity for survivors of sexual abuse have alleged bullying by management, conflicts of interest and a ‘‘toxic’’ work environment.

The claims have been denied by the management committee that governs O¯ tepoti Communities Against Sexual Abuse (formerly known as Rape Crisis Dunedin).

The allegations were sent to Te Ka¯hui Ka¯hu, which undertakes social services accreditation, in February, and a report was completed in August.

The report, issued to Stuff under the Official Information Act, did not give specific examples but referred to complaints about ‘‘an ill-defined organisational structure, inadequate employment practices, and poor leadership resulting in what was described as a ‘toxic’ workplace culture’’.

O¯ tepoti Communities Against Sexual Abuse provides support to survivors of sexual abuse and their friends and wha¯ nau.

Among those Te Ka¯hui Ka¯hu interviewed were former staff who said they had resigned because of the work culture and behaviours.

Minutes of management committee meetings also referenced the resignations, plus their exit interviews and claims of bullying.

Te Ka¯ hui Ka¯ hu’s report said it was possible to identify the main instigators ‘‘responsible for many of the examples of poor management’’, but there was no process for taking disciplinary action.

On April 1, the committee told Te Ka¯ hui Ka¯ hu the organisation had moved from a collective-style structure to a ‘‘professional, improved service and organisation with a more conventional model of governance’’. The process involved ‘‘trial and error’’.

The report said there was evidence the committee had failed to investigate staff concerns, including alleged bullying. A heavily redacted part referred to an ‘‘inherent conflict of interest’’.

It also noted concerns with the vetting process, highlighting one case where a staffer was appointed without a formal interview.

An emailed statement, sent on behalf of the committee, disputed some of the claims. It said there was ‘‘no toxic culture promulgated by management, and no conflicts of interest . . . were undeclared’’.

‘‘All of our staff have undergone legally required and appropriate vetting procedures.’’

Asked about resignations, the committee said six staff had left this year. According to Charities Services, the organisation had six full-time and three part-time staff.

Te Ka¯ hui Ka¯ hu is to assess the charity again before February.