Petition calling for the removal of genU boss Clare Amies taken down, before re-emerging

A petition calling for the removal of the boss of one of the country’s biggest disability service providers has been taken down less than a week after it was launched, only to re-emerge.

The genU headquarters on Reynolds Rd in Belmont. Picture: Alison Wynd

A petition calling for the removal of the boss of one of the country’s biggest disability service providers has been taken down less than a week after it was launched, with the Geelong-based company leaping to the defence of its top executive.

A spokeswoman from genU confirmed the company had been successful in removing a Change.org appeal addressed to the board outlining alleged bullying, harassment and intimidation in the workplace, and calling for the resignation of chief executive Clare Amies.

This masthead is not suggesting any of the allegations in the petition are true, only that they have been made.

Board chairman, Ingrid Williams, said the petition was “unfair” was “potentially defamatory” and had been signed by people impersonating genU employees.

She said it was taken down earlier in the week and was a “clear breach” of Change.org’s community guidelines.

It had received more than 200 online signatures prior to its removal.

“The online petition contained claims that could not be substantiated and signatures that were from impersonators,” she said.

“We believe this was a case of faceless online harassment, which is cowardly behaviour and an experience not unique to genU.”

Chang.org has been contacted for comment.

Clare Amies from genU. Picture: Supplied

The online platform states on its website it can remove posts that violate “community guidelines” or that are removed by the starter.

Another petition was launched by “Concerned genU staff” on Friday, June 21.

Ms Williams said the company took all allegations of wrongdoing seriously, and had a robust process in place for employees to raise concerns “and have them impartially investigated”.

“It is not appropriate for genU to comment on confidential investigations or other employee matters,” she said.

She said Ms Amies, a former WorkSafe Victoria boss, had the full support of the board.

“Over the past week, Clare’s strength of character and her commitment to genU and the role in the community services sector has shone through,” Ms Williams said.

“The claims made were contrary to how Clare behaves both professionally and personally.”

It comes as genU’s revenue fell 3 per cent to $410m last financial year, a total loss of $9.7m.

Almost all of its income stemmed from employment and training services ($255m), and disability and ageing services ($157m).

Despite the downturn, the revenue figure placed it in the top 30 not-for-profit organisations nationally.

The company has 220 offices and approximately 4200 staff across the country, including almost 2000 in the Geelong region.

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Originally published as Petition calling for the removal of genU boss Clare Amies taken down, before re-emerging