Source: Radio New Zealand
Corrections’ Commissioner of Custodial Services Leigh Marsh. Supplied / Corrections
Allegations of bullying against one of the most senior staff at Corrections were raised more than a month ago.
RNZ earlier revealed Corrections commissioner of custodial services Leigh Marsh was facing an employment investigation in relation to allegations of bullying.
On Wednesday, Corrections chief executive Jeremy Lightfoot confirmed the concerns were raised on February 15.
“No other formal concerns have been raised about this individual, and they have not previously been subject to an employment investigation.”
Do you know more? Email sam.sherwood@rnz.co.nz
After receiving the concerns, advice was sought from the human resources team and support was put in place for the staff member who raised the concerns, Lightfoot said.
“The decision was then taken to undertake a formal employment investigation.”
Lightfoot said it was important staff felt confident raising any concerns.
“And as an employer I have a duty of care to ensure the ongoing privacy and wellbeing of those involved.
“For these reasons, it would not be appropriate for us to provide further details about this employment matter at this time. I acknowledge the public interest in the conduct of our senior leaders and Corrections is committed to being transparent about the findings of this investigation at the appropriate time and in line with our obligations under the Official Information Act and Privacy Act.”
In response to questions about the inquiry into Marsh earlier this week Lightfoot told RNZ he expected “high standards of all our staff and take any allegations raised about their conduct extremely seriously”.
“Corrections can confirm that concerns have been raised about one senior leader that will be investigated by an external independent investigator.
“The concerns raised relate to alleged conduct around management processes and bullying within the employment relationship.”
The staff member who raised the concerns with Lightfoot was “being supported while this employment matter is ongoing”.
He also confirmed three operational deputy chief executives, including Marsh, would be undertaking six-month secondments into different DCE roles within Corrections.
“I had already been considering moving the operational DCEs into each other’s areas later this year. This is because I believe these secondments will allow each operational DCE to deepen their understanding of each other’s respective areas so we can continue building a coherent, cohesive organisation. Their employment agreements were developed to allow such secondments to take place.
“The decision to do this now was brought forward to ensure that a thorough and fair employment process for both parties in relation to the above complaint can be carried out.”
The secondment sees Marsh move to DCE of Pae Ora.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/bullying-allegations-against-senior-corrections-staffer-raised-more-than-a-month-ago/