Workplace safety and respect cannot be regarded as an option anymore. These are legal, ethical, and cultural necessities. According to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, every organization in India that has 10 or more employees is mandated to set up an Internal Committee (IC). Nevertheless, the establishment of an IC is only a beginning. Only the training of IC members makes the adherence to the law effective and significant.
POSH training for IC members should not be considered as a mere formality. It is a compulsory requirement that empowers committee members with the necessary knowledge, sensitiveness, and clarity of the procedure to handle sexual harassment complaints in a manner that is fair and in accordance with the law. An untrained IC may be at risk of procedural lapses, biased decisions, delayed inquiries, and non-compliance, all of which can lead to serious legal and reputational consequences for the organization.
Properly designed POSH training helps IC members to have a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities which include receiving complaints, assessing jurisdiction, and maintaining confidentiality. It gives detailed guidance on the conduct of an inquiry, collecting evidence, following principles of natural justice, managing timelines, and avoiding mistakes that may cause invalidity of the proceeding. Particularly, IC members are taught how to be empathetic while maintaining objectivity, thus making the complainants feel comfortable and at the same time ensuring the rights of the respondents are protected.
POSH training that is effective additionally concentrates on report making and suggestions, where the members of the IC can be assisted in putting up clear, reasonable, and legally viable investigation reports. The training usually involves examining actual cases, conducting mock inquiries, and discussing scenarios to help members apply the law in practical decision-making.
Beyond legal compliance, POSH training plays a crucial role in building a speak-up culture. The IC members who have undergone training become a trustworthy source for the entire staff, they facilitate the reporting of early instances and help organizations address concerns before they escalate. This directly contributes to a safer, more inclusive, and respectful workplace environment.
At KAPGROW POSH training for IC members is designed to be practical, compliant, and insight-driven. In addition to structured training programs, regular webinars are conducted to help organizations and IC members stay updated on the latest legal developments, best practices, and emerging compliance challenges. These sessions emphasize continuous learning and preparedness rather than one-time compliance.
Spending money on POSH training and continuously keeping oneself updated through further learning is not merely about fulfilling the conditions set by the law. The point is to safeguard people, make the processes stronger, and maintain organizational integrity. A well-trained and knowledgeable IC is what makes the whole POSH compliance system work effectively.
