Xero apologises over handling of sexual misconduct complaint made against Rod Drury

The grievance declared sexual misbehavior on Drury’s part versus previous Xero staffer Ally Naylor while she was a junior Xero staff member.

Formerly, Drury rejected any accusation of misbehavior and stated his relationship with Naylor was “limited” and “consensual”

Given that Naylor went public with the claims previously this year, Xero engaged Maria Dew KC to evaluate the business’s handling of the 2017 whistleblower grievance.

The evaluation had actually now been finished, and Xero board chairperson David Thodey and president Sukhinder Singh Cassidy apologised on behalf of Xero to Naylor and other previous staff members.

“We unreservedly apologise to Ms Naylor and any former employee whose experience at that time did not reflect the standards we expect at Xero today. Xero regrets any historical actions taken, or not taken, that fell short of the expectations and standards we now hold ourselves to.”

The set went on to lay out actions Xero had actually taken because 2018 that included modifications to its standard procedure and individuals practices, consisting of presenting clear politices on work environment relationships.

“Xero’s policies and practices have continued to evolve and now include the global implementation of Australia’s Positive Duty laws focused on the prevention of sexual harassment and sex-based discrimination in the workplace.

“These policies and practices show Xero’s acknowledgment of its duty to offer a safe and considerate office, and of the long lasting influence on people if these requirements are not maintained.”

The board would take further action on its whistleblower process, they said, by letting whistleblowers report concerns to a third-party organisation and appointing independent investigators for serious complaints about senior executives or directors.

It would also contribute to independent legal advice costs for employees who raised sexual harassment complaints involving senior executives or directors, they said.

“We stay concentrated on making sure Xero’s work environment now, and in the future, continues to be a safe, inclusive and considerate environment for each Xero.”