EY Initiates Misconduct Review Amidst Fonterra Ban
Source: The DairyNews
EY, formerly known as Ernst & Young, has launched an independent review of misconduct complaints spanning the past five years amidst mounting concerns over workplace culture. This move comes as Fonterra, one of EY's major clients, imposes restrictions on some EY personnel following allegations of misconduct.
The decision to engage an external advisor for the review follows inquiries from Stuff regarding a ban imposed by Fonterra on certain EY staff from participating in projects. Fonterra initiated its own internal investigation after receiving an anonymous complaint regarding the presence of EY contractors, who were reportedly subject to misconduct investigations, on its premises.
Kate Daly, Fonterra's managing director of people and culture, emphasized the company's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its employees and underscored the seriousness with which allegations of misconduct are treated.
Meanwhile, EY's Oceania talent leader, Lauren Stanton, acknowledged the challenges posed by recent reports of historical misconduct within the organization. These reports, including the departure of EY's NZ chair and allegations of sexual harassment against a senior employee, have prompted Fonterra's scrutiny and intensified concerns about workplace conduct.
EY's managing partner, Simon O'Connor, confirmed the initiation of the review and reiterated the firm's commitment to fostering a safe and respectful work environment. He underscored the importance of the review in bolstering confidence in EY's complaints process and reiterated the firm's encouragement for individuals to come forward with any concerns.
This latest review follows a comprehensive examination of workplace culture conducted by EY in response to prior incidents. The findings of this previous review, released in July 2023, revealed concerning statistics regarding instances of sexual harassment among female employees.
As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders are hopeful that it will shed light on past occurrences and contribute to positive changes within the organization. However, questions remain about accountability and the need for ongoing vigilance to ensure alignment with EY's values and the expectations of its clients.
Kate Daly, Fonterra's managing director of people and culture, emphasized the company's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its employees and underscored the seriousness with which allegations of misconduct are treated.
Meanwhile, EY's Oceania talent leader, Lauren Stanton, acknowledged the challenges posed by recent reports of historical misconduct within the organization. These reports, including the departure of EY's NZ chair and allegations of sexual harassment against a senior employee, have prompted Fonterra's scrutiny and intensified concerns about workplace conduct.
EY's managing partner, Simon O'Connor, confirmed the initiation of the review and reiterated the firm's commitment to fostering a safe and respectful work environment. He underscored the importance of the review in bolstering confidence in EY's complaints process and reiterated the firm's encouragement for individuals to come forward with any concerns.
This latest review follows a comprehensive examination of workplace culture conducted by EY in response to prior incidents. The findings of this previous review, released in July 2023, revealed concerning statistics regarding instances of sexual harassment among female employees.
As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders are hopeful that it will shed light on past occurrences and contribute to positive changes within the organization. However, questions remain about accountability and the need for ongoing vigilance to ensure alignment with EY's values and the expectations of its clients.
