ACC suspends two more people due to alleged sharing of client information
We take the privacy of our client information seriously. Our customers deserve to have confidence that their information is treated respectfully.
ACC has suspended two more employees due to the alleged inappropriate sharing of client information.
Acting CEO Mike Tully says they have become aware of a further incident in Dunedin. The incident involves colleagues inappropriately discussing client names.
“On Thursday we took the step of suspending a further two people while we carry out an investigation,” says Tully.
"Their access to ACC’s systems and information has been removed."
“This is totally unacceptable behaviour and I am appalled. We have a team of 4000 who work hard every day to support people to recover from injury.
“They are absolutely gutted about the actions of the people involved.”
On Tuesday ACC stood down 12 employees due to an alleged sharing of client information in a private Snapchat group.
On Wednesday the ACC Board and ACC’s Acting CEO Mike Tully confirmed they will conduct an independent review.
The review will look into the management of ACC data and client information, including sensitive claims.
The ACC Board are now working with Treasury as the monitoring agency of ACC to confirm the terms of reference and appoint a person to lead this review.
The details of the independent review will be made public once they are confirmed.
On learning about the original issue ACC leadership moved quickly. They stood down the employees involved and removed their access to ACC files and systems. They began an immediate investigation.
“While I believe we are likely to discover more instances of this activity, I have made it extremely clear that this behaviour will not be tolerated at ACC," says Tully.
"Customers and the public deserve to have confidence that their information is treated respectfully and only used for legitimate purposes relating to their claim.
"These investigations into the alleged information sharing is being overseen by myself as acting CEO.”
"The findings will be reported to the Board, the Minister for ACC and the person appointed to undertake the independent review.
“We know this situation is impacting our clients. We have heard concerns from a number of them. We understand, are deeply sorry and apologise for the distress that has been caused.”
ACC employees have been reminded of their obligations under ACC’s Code of Conduct, the support in place and how they can raise any concerns.
This includes talking with their manager or a senior leader or contacting ACC’s HR team.
They can also contact OK2Say, an independent confidential service provided to ACC. They also have access to Employee Assistance Programme Services.
Frontline employees are completing a refresher training course on their obligations under ACC’s Code of Conduct.