27 May 2025
Lisa
[FYI request #30857 email]
Kia ora Lisa
Your Official Information Act request, reference: GOV-039785
Thank you for your email of 30 April 2025, asking for various information regarding Accredited
Employers, under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act).
I have responded to each of your questions in turn.
Could ACC supply me the list of Accredited Employers and their obligations to the claimant and
the Corporation A list of Accredited Employers (AEs) can be viewed on our website here:
https://www.acc.co.nz/for-business/understanding-your-cover-options/find-an-accredited-employer
As this information is publicly available, we are not providing a copy of it in this response. This decision
has been made under section 18(d) of the Act.
All employers that are in the Accredited Employer Programme (the Programme) are required to make
claim decisions under the same legislation ACC adheres to – the Accident Compensation Act 2001 and
associated secondary legislation. Employees are also entitled to the same independent review process
through the Programme as they would be if the claim was managed by ACC.
To remain in the Programme, AEs undertake an annual accreditation process, including an assessment
(audit), to ensure they are meeting all the requirements for the Programme. An ACC approved
independent assessor completes the assessment. AEs also provide monthly data to ACC on their
workplace injury claims.
When there have been formal complaints to the Accredited Employer, does the Accredited Inform
ACC, as ACC has a duty to oversee the Accredited Employer?
AEs are required to have a complaints management procedure that includes how complaints can be
raised, will be managed, options for resolution. Each AE must have a dedicated Complaints Manager.
Individuals can also raise their complaints directly with ACC. There is however no requirement to notify
ACC of each complaint.
When the Accredited Employer has made Privacy Breaches and/or withheld documentation,
failed in their responsibilities as a ACC accredited do they have a duty to inform ACC of Formal
Complaints that have been made to them and if so, what is the acceptable time frames and
acceptable time frames of all the above? Please find attached
Accredited Employers Programme Operational Directive – Privacy Breach
Reporting document. Requirements for AEs and Third Party Administrators (TPAs) regarding privacy
breaches are outlined in this document.
Obligations regarding complaints are outlined above.
GOV-039785 Page 1 of 2
When ACC accreditors use Wellnz Corporation to take over their injured workers, who is
responsible when Wellnz Corporation acts inappropriately, breaches the Privacy Act in its
entirety? Whose duty is it to inform 3rd parties, and to inform ACC itself? What duty is it then for
ACC to take as the entire above, and the time frames of all the above?
Requirements for AEs and TPAs regarding privacy breaches are outlined in the attached document.
When ACC have failed themselves to oversee accredited employers, and all the above, who over
see's ACC with this?
Complaints can be made to the Office of the Ombudsman regarding the actions of Government
agencies, including ACC.
If you have any questions about this response, please get in touch
You can email me at
[email address]. If you are not happy with this response, you can
also contact the Ombudsman vi
a [email address] or by phoning 0800 802 602.
Information about how to make a complaint is available a
t www.ombudsman.parliament.nz. Ngā mihi
Christopher Johnston
Manager Official Information Act Services Government Engagement
GOV-039785 Page 2 of 2
