New Zealand Law Society - SSC updates Speaking Up model standards

SSC updates Speaking Up model standards

This article is over 3 years old. More recent information on this subject may exist.

The State Services Commission has released an updated version of its Speaking Up standards.

The model standards outline the State Services Commissioner’s minimum expectations for organisations to support staff on speaking up in relation to wrongdoing concerns that could damage the integrity of the State services.

They comprise all the key elements for promoting a ‘speak up’ culture, operating good processes including timely investigations, and keeping people safe from reprisals or other detrimental impacts.

The SSC says these are the standards expected of all organisations within the State services – organisations will determine whether additional policies and processes are required.

"All State services organisations should ensure that these standards are integrated into policies and processes for reporting wrongdoing within their Human Resource, Employment Relations, and operational management systems."

It says with the introduction of the Intelligence and Security Act 2017, amendments were made to the Protected Disclosures Act 2000 in relation to protected disclosures regarding the activities of an intelligence and security agency or classified information.

"For protected disclosures relating to these areas, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security is the appropriate authority to which you make a protected disclosure. Guidance relating to this is available on the Inspector-Generals website."

Lawyer Listing for Bots