au pair extraordinaire's replyOfficial
11 Aug 2023, 06:11Dear Caitlin,
I trust this message finds you well. We have taken note of your recent feedback and would like to address the concerns you've raised. It is important for us to provide clarity on certain matters.
As you may recall, your association with Au Pair Extraordinaire resulted in your placement on our blacklist. This decision was based on feedback we received from the family with whom you were placed. Regrettably, the dynamic between you and the family deteriorated due to your explicit refusal to fulfill essential au pair responsibilities. Specifically, declining to facilitate a playdate for one of the children's friends and restricting their involvement in homework activities, which entailed a mere 10 minutes of reading. Additionally, your reluctance to accommodate a schedule change within your contracted working hours led to dissatisfaction.
Throughout the course of your employment, we maintained open lines of communication to address your concerns and mediate the situation. Our intention was to provide support, as we do for all our candidates during their placements. However, it became evident that the family's expectations were well within the realm of customary au pair duties. In fact, the family documented their perspective and shared a comprehensive record of incidents that contributed to the discord (you were copied in this email from the family). Eventually, a mutual decision was reached between you and the employer to part ways, owing to the inflexibility exhibited.
It is noteworthy that our agency has successfully placed numerous au pairs with the same family, none of whom encountered comparable challenges or lodged complaints. Our clients are esteemed members of the public with whom we have cultivated enduring relationships over our 15 years of operation. We uphold rigorous verification protocols and prioritize the safety and well-being of our candidates. To this end, I urge you to expound on any concerns you may have had about your safety during your placement. Such allegations are grave and require thorough investigation. It is perplexing that no such communication was initiated when we were actively addressing your grievances during your tenure with the family.
Furthermore, I wish to clarify that we do not impose any fees on our candidates for agency enrollment. Hence, your reference to monetary concerns is puzzling, as we do not engage in such practices.
While we remain open to constructive criticism and are committed to rectifying any valid issues, we also uphold a stringent code of conduct for our candidates. Accountability is a cornerstone of our agency, and we hold candidates responsible for their actions.
I am available to engage in further discussion to gain a more comprehensive understanding of your perspective. Your insights will be invaluable as we strive to continuously enhance our services. Please provide a suitable time for us to connect, and I will ensure that arrangements are made promptly.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Charne Peters
Director
charne@apeo.co.za
Best regards,