Job cuts proposed for agency fighting family and sexual violence

The centre responsible for government’s collective response to family and sexual violence faces losing a third of its workforce in a restructure.

The board overseeing the Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention is proposing to reduce the number of roles by a third, from 78 to 52.

Chair Andrew Kibblewhite said the proposed change was not cost-driven but aimed at focussing on what will make the greatest difference for victims and survivors.

“I firstly want to acknowledge the impact that this change proposal will have on the staff who are involved in this incredibly important work,” he said.

“These are complex issues that require a strong, joined-up approach across government. No single agency can do this alone, and effective co-ordination is essential.”

Kibblewhite said the change proposal - outlined to staff on Wednesday - followed a review into the current needs of the family and sexual violence prevention system.

He said the board had looked carefully at how resources and effort were best used to drive real impact.

The board proposes cutting 36 roles at the centre, of which six are currently vacant, while establishing 10 new roles, resulting in a reduction of 26 roles - a third of the current 78.

“I am confident the proposed changes will strengthen how the system works together and help us deliver better outcomes for those experiencing family violence and sexual violence,” Kibblewhite said.

“It’s important to note that this proposal has not been driven by cost savings but to ensure all our resources are focussed on making the biggest difference with this very important mahi.”

The centre is helping to drive the National Strategy and Action Plan on family and sexual violence.

Union opposes cuts

The Public Service Association represents workers at the centre and will be making a formal submission opposing the cuts.

National Secretary Duane Leo is concerned the centre’s co-ordination role is being watered down for no apparent reason.

“New Zealand has a shameful record on family and sexual violence. This is exactly the wrong moment to be cutting the people working to change that,” Leo said.

Leo said national trainers who deliver best-practice prevention in communities, advisors, managers, and administrative staff are all in the firing line.

“It’s hard to understand how a sharply reduced workforce is expected to deliver co-ordinated national leadership on this issue. How can the plan be effective now when the Centre responsible for it is going to be gutted?”

Leo said under the proposal, a team that works alongside providers and whānau to build local capability is being dismantled, as are three national trainer positions - specialists in family violence and sexual violence.

Leo said such cuts would strip away support for the community organisations on the frontline of preventing family and sexual violence.

He said one of the country’s few specialist sexual violence prevention organisations, RespectEd, faces closure in August after losing government funding.

“Community organisations like RespectEd are getting results. They need more support, not less,” Leo said.

“Family and sexual violence is an intergenerational challenge. Building the capability to respond effectively takes years. Cutting a third of the national co-ordination workforce does not just set back progress, it shows that this vital work is no longer a priority.”

The board said following consultation with staff, final decisions on the restructure are expected by the end of July, with it taking effect in September.

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