THE terms of reference for a review into an alleged culture of bullying and harassment at Ballarat Health Services were released on Wednesday.
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In welcome news for some former employees, the review will be open to former staff from as far back as January 2013 who may have suffered at the hands of the alleged culture.
The review follows a number of reports in The Courier focused on the culture problems which exist within the organisation.
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Last year the Department of Health & Human Services requested that BHS appoint an industry expert to examine the culture more closely following a number of complaints.
“BHS has been the subject of recent media articles relating to allegations of workplace bullying and harassment, and suggestions that an intimidatory culture exists within its workforce,” the terms of reference state.
Justita managing partner Sarah Rey, who is an expert in workplaces within the health industry was appointed to undertake this task.
A damning report was released last month focusing on the alleged bullying culture within the Youth Mental Health Service team with the Rey review expected to focus on the issue more broadly across the entire organisation.
Acting chief executive Andrew Kinnersly has been adamant in his message throughout the process that the health service is committed to enacting real change in the culture at the organisation.
The terms of reference make clear along with interviewing current and former staff Ms Rey will also be analysing current policies to deal with claims of bullying and harassment within BHS as well as conduct a review of the documentation provided in a number of culture and engagement surveys over the past three years.
The Courier is aware of a number of these surveys and the poor results found in them which were not addressed fully by management within the organisation. A report is expected to be handed to BHS within three months of the commencement of the review.