Sutton’s future

The Press reports:

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (Cera) chief executive Roger Sutton says he is considering his future after an allegation he sexually harassed a staff member.

The allegation accuses Sutton of harassing a senior female staffer, including making inappropriate jokes, comments and giving her an unwelcome hug.

A State Services Commission inquiry into the claims by a staff member is expected to deliver a finding next week. The inquiry has taken about seven weeks. …

Sutton, a flamboyant cycle-riding face of the recovery authority, said last night he could not talk about details of the complaint although The Press understands he has disputed some of the allegations or the alleged intention behind his behaviour.

“I can be a larrikin and make stupid silly jokes. It is a very difficult, stressful job and I’ve sometimes used humour to cope. I wish this wasn’t happening and I was horrified when I learned about it [the allegations],” he said.

“But I’m not the victim. I’ve made some stupid mistakes.”

One has to be careful of commenting without knowing the full details.

However I would make the point that if the issue was his general behaviour, rather than specific attention towards one staffer, it seems a pity it could not have been sorted out without a formal complaint. But maybe that was tried and got nowhere?

CERA staff need to be able to not feel harassed in the workplace, but if it is a case of misjudged humour rather than deliberate harassment, it would be a pity if it resulted in a widely respected CEO departing. But again, conclusions can be dangerous without the full facts.

Political commentator David Farrar posts at Kiwiblog.

The State Services Commission released the following statement at midday - CK

RAW DATA: Statement from State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie:

The State Services Commission today confirms that an investigation into the conduct of Roger Sutton, Chief Executive of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA), has been carried out following a complaint from a CERA staff member.

I take any issues relating to the conduct of Public Service chief executives very seriously. Every State servant must be able to work in a safe environment where they are treated with professionalism and respect.

I received the investigation report yesterday and I am now communicating my response to the relevant parties.  The outcome of this process will be made public as early as possible next week.

The State Services Commission has ensured the complainant has been appropriately supported through this process and will continue to receive any ongoing support required.

As his employer, SSC has also provided appropriate support to Mr Sutton through this process.

To protect the privacy of all parties involved in this complaint and to respect undertakings of confidentiality, the investigation report and details of the exact nature of the complaint will not be released, even after my decision has been made public.

Mr Sutton remained in his role while the investigation was carried out. Appropriate steps were taken to manage the situation while the investigation was taking place.