Workshop on : POSH Act & Workings of IC Committee

Introduction

Women’s rights in a workplace are important so that they are free from unwanted sexual advances. Sexual Harassment at Workplace (SHW) lowers their productivity and psychological well-being.

Now the need is to prevent such incidents therefore we have a POSH Act that is the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act. In 2013, many years after formulating the Vishaka guidelines, the Supreme Court passed the Prevention of Sexual Harassment or the POSH act.

POSH Act enforces any organization to formulate a policy for the prevention of sexual harassment and redressal of the same. It mandates an internal complaints committee to address the issues and resolve them. This Act would also help to create awareness to sensitize about SHW. This can empower women to voice out against sexual harassment if there a need.

What is an IC or internal compliance committee?

To remain in compliance with the POSH Act 2013, an organization must implement a few measures. By written order, any organization with ten or more employees should form an Internal Committee (IC) or internal compliance committee (ICC). The IC will look into the allegations of sexual harassment and take action if necessary. If the organization has multiple administrative divisions in different locations, each administrative division must have its own IC. The IC has to follow guidelines to receive and redress issues of sexual harassment eg in strict confidence, with a nonjudgmental and objective attitude towards both parties

Objectives

• To help prevent any SHW incident as a proactive measure
• To create awareness about different dimensions of SHW
• To provide guidance to internal committee about procedures to receive and redress complaints with a professional attitude
• To empower women employees to protect themselves from SHW

Programme Content

1. POSH Policy – objectives, scope, Supreme Court’s definition; types of SHW; conduct of sexual nature – physical, verbal & nonverbal harassment; gender discrimination at workplace amounts to SHW
2. Reasons for low reporting of SHW
3. Sensitizing about Sexual harassment at work place as a Preventive measure
4. Role, functions and powers of SHW Committee
5. Procedure to file complaints and Steps SHW victim should take
6. Role of an Internal Committee?
7. Role of an External Member?
8. How to conduct a formal enquiry; investigation process – interview both parties, and resolve the SHW claim, strategies when there are No eyewitness
9. Function and duties of Internal Complaints Committee

Who should Attend

All employees in the organization – Managers, Directors, IC members, HR professionals and Employees

Training Methodology

Active and lively training methods like, Case Study, Discussion, will be used.

Speaker Profile

Dr. Lata Shetty Director, Mainstream Training Centre
Dr. Shetty, is the Director, Mainstream Training Centre, which offers POSH & Soft Skills Training Programs in a variety of settings. Qualifications: B.Sc., M.S.W., Ph.D., a gold medalist.

Contact Details :

Ms. Supriya Pandey
Email : supriya.pandey@bombaychamber.com
Tel : 61200250