103326
                                       Update on the Core Internal Justice
                                      and Related Services Fiscal Year 2015

                         Report to the Board from the Human Resources Committee


                                             Meeting of January 13, 2016



        On January 13, 2016 the Human Resources Committee (HRC) considered the Update on the Core
Internal Justice and Related Services (HRC2016-0001).

         Representatives from the Internal Justice Services (IJS) explained that an increase in cases is not
necessarily negative, as it shows that staff are using the resources. They noted that the factors responsible
for the 18% increase in usage from FY14, include the increased outreach efforts to country offices, the
impact from the change agenda (11% of all cases in FY15 related to the change agenda) and an increased
credibility and trust in IJS. In this regard, IJS representatives noted that users of the system have given it a
90+ satisfaction rate, and peers and external evaluators considered the system good or satisfactory. IJS
representatives also provided an overview of the 2015 external evaluation of the 2009 Reforms of the
Internal Justice services. The evaluators concentrated on the Peer Review Service and the Administrative
Tribunal and made 17 recommendations to further improve the two services. This evaluation was reviewed
by the Internal Justice Council (IJC) that provided a final set of recommendations that were approved by
the Senior Management Team (SMT) on January 4, 2016. The recommendations will be implemented
shortly. The VP for the Office of Ethics and Business Conduct (EBC) described upcoming changes
(external review to determine optimal operating structure and methodologies, reduce processing time for
investigations, revamping the communication strategy, and initiating more in country investigations, (to
strengthen the unit) to respond to concerns that came out of the Engagement Survey.

         The Committee welcomed the annual update to the IJS, and appreciated the opportunities offered
by IJS services to find conflict resolution through informal processes. Members also appreciated the
progress to date to improve the system, and the additional narrative in the report. While the committee
noted the increase in usage may be a result of increased outreach and credibility in the system, it may also
be due to an increase in workplace discontent during times of change. The Committee called for additional
measures to understand the increase in usage, and to address the reasons why staff are unwilling to use the
IJS. The committee also wished to understand any trends in the types of issues raised in the IJS, and was
concerned specifically with the cases of sexual harassment and inquired how it is addressed. They
suggested further analysis to ensure there is no underreporting. The committee highlighted that despite the
system being ranked well among institutions, there are underlying issues of lack of trust in the system, and
fear of retaliation, (especially in using the EBC) that must be addressed. The committee also called for
greater user feedback to help improve HR policies, additional efforts for STC’s usage of the system, and to
seek additional resources such as a fourth ombudsperson to ensure sustainability of the system. The
committee also called for a separate meeting to discuss the EBC given its complexity and the specialization
of its investigations.





    This report is not an approved record.


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