Following the resignation of Phil Parkes as WorkSafe Chief Executive and a looming proposal to cut up to 120 staff, Steve Haszard has taken up the top job
WorkSafe New Zealand Board Chair Jennifer Kerr has announced the appointment of Steve Haszard as the organisation’s next Chief Executive.
Haszard started with WorkSafe on Monday October 9 for a term of up to 18 months.
“Following the decision of current Chief Executive Phil Parkes to move on by the end of 2023, the WorkSafe Board moved quickly on a succession plan to enable an effective transition and to bring certainty of leadership,” Kerr says.
“Steve brings strengths in regulatory practice, organisational change, and strategy development and execution. His leadership experience will provide clarity for WorkSafe’s staff and system partners throughout this period of change.
“Steve’s immediate priorities will be to lead WorkSafe through its organisational change process, drive the articulation of our strategy and implement the response to the Strategic Baseline Review.”
Parkes has moved into the role of Strategic Advisor to the Chief Executive to support the transition period and will continue to lead several key projects which underpin WorkSafe’s core regulatory functions until he finishes by the end of 2023.
“The organisation will continue to benefit from Mr Parkes’ experience, institutional knowledge and strong relationships within the health and safety system.
“Phil has led WorkSafe through some challenging times including Whakaari and COVID-19 while contributing to healthier and safer outcomes for New Zealanders,” says Kerr.
“Phil has been a strong voice for the need to collectively prioritise health and safety.
“It has been clear to me in interactions I have had, particularly with system partners, that Phil’s commitment and passionate and articulate advocacy for health and safety is highly respected.
“Phil has been with WorkSafe for almost nine years and believes the time is right for his next chapter, and for new leadership and thinking for the organisation. I thank him for his service.”
WorkSafe is currently implementing the recommendations of the Strategic Baseline Review to streamline its activities and refocus on core functions.
As part of this process, WorkSafe is consulting with staff on a change proposal, which it says prioritises front line and core roles and focuses non-personnel savings over role reductions.
When the organisational change has been completed and the recommendations of the Review implemented, WorkSafe says it will be in a better position to build our investment case for sustainable funding.
Phil Parkes will continue as Chief Executive while the organisation works through the change process and plans to finish up with WorkSafe by the end of 2023.
“It’s been a privilege to have worked with such a dedicated team who are committed to reduce work-related harm across Aotearoa. I acknowledge all WorkSafe kaimahi, and our partners in the health and safety system for their commitment to making a difference.”
“Thanks to the organisations and workers who put people first, and the mahi of talented, dedicated people in WorkSafe, we’ve seen work related fatalities in Aotearoa reduce since 2013. But there is more to do. We all need to keep doing everything we can to improve health, safety and equitable outcomes across Aotearoa.”
