Top brass tight-lipped over Sutton concerns

The State Services Commissioner, Iain Rennie. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The State Services Commission is refusing to say what action if any was taken in response to concerns raised by senior Cera staff about former chief executive Roger Sutton's behaviour more than a week before an official complaint was made.

The commission yesterday cited confidentiality reasons in refusing to release documents related to the sexual harassment complaint against Mr Sutton and subsequent investigation which found "serious misconduct" on his part. The investigation's findings prompted his resignation at a press conference on November 17.

However, in a brief "Information Release" about the matter, the commission yesterday confirmed that on September 15, it received "an informal approach from senior staff members at Cera [Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority] who raised general concerns about Mr Sutton's behaviour".

It was emphasised that no formal complaint had been made, "but that the commission's informal assistance was being sought".

Following this approach, State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie "spoke to Mr Sutton to bring these matters to his attention and to discuss remedial actions".

A formal complaint about Mr Sutton's behaviour was received 10 days later and, following the subsequent investigation, Mr Sutton resigned.

Last night, the commission refused to say whether the complainant was among the senior staff who first raised concerns.

Asked what remedial actions were discussed with Mr Sutton, the commission said it would not comment, again citing confidentiality because it was an employment matter.

The commission's confirmation of wider concerns about Mr Sutton's behaviour comes after a source close to the complainant told the Herald two weeks ago that the complaint was filed not just because of Mr Sutton's behaviour towards her, but because there was "a pattern of behaviour that drove her to take a stand".

"She was fed up with what she and other staff had put up with over time," the source said.

Yesterday, Mr Sutton would not comment when contacted by the Weekend Herald.

The commission said the affair had prompted a review of its guidance to public servants on bullying and harassment.