POSH and Legal Policies in Institutions

Aim
The program Ensuring Compliance: Navigating the Complex Landscape of Legal and POSH Policy Requirements in Institutions is designed to help participants understand the legal aspects of compliance and POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) policies. The goal is to equip them with the skills and tools needed to apply these policies effectively in their organizations. By the end, attendees will have a solid understanding of relevant legal frameworks, how to manage compliance, and how to foster a respectful and safe workplace.

Program Objectives

• Provide a clear understanding of legal compliance requirements in organizations.
• Teach the ins and outs of POSH policies and how to enforce them.
• Help participants develop practical skills to create and implement compliance strategies.
• Explain the consequences of failing to comply with legal standards.
• Train participants to address compliance issues proactively.
• Encourage ethical conduct and mutual respect in workplace interactions.
• Promote the importance of regular audits and updates to ensure policy compliance.
• Enable participants to train others in their organization on compliance and POSH regulations.

Program Structure

Module 1: Introduction to Legal Frameworks and POSH

• Section 1: Legal Basics
  Overview of POSH, key legal developments, and laws that address harassment in educational institutions.
• Section 2: Policy Requirements and Institutional Responsibilities
  A detailed look at what’s required for POSH policies and the responsibilities that institutions must uphold to stay compliant.

Module 2: Identifying and Preventing Sexual Harassment

• Section 1: Recognizing Harassment
  Understanding different forms of harassment, supported by real case studies from academic environments.
• Section 2: Prevention Strategies
  Guidelines for designing effective policies and creating awareness programs for staff and students.

Module 3: Setting Up and Managing Complaints Committees

• Section 1: Internal Complaints Committees
  Exploring the structure, roles, and legal requirements of internal complaints committees.
• Section 2: Training for Committee Members
  Best practices for committee members on handling sensitive issues, with specialized training for complex situations.

Module 4: Reporting, Documentation, and Legal Compliance

• Section 1: Reporting and Documentation
  Steps to follow when reporting harassment cases and maintaining proper documentation.
• Section 2: Audits and Compliance Checks
  How to conduct internal audits and prepare for external reviews to ensure compliance with the law.

Module 5: Legal Proceedings and Remedial Actions

• Section 1: Investigating Complaints
  Best practices for conducting fair investigations, handling allegations, and ensuring that procedures are just.
• Section 2: Enforcement and Outcomes
  Understanding decision-making processes, implementing corrective actions, and ensuring compliance.

Module 6: Creating a Respectful and Inclusive Campus Environment

• Section 1: Educational Campaigns and Programs
  Using role-playing and other interactive methods to raise awareness and empathy, and running campus-wide POSH campaigns.
• Section 2: Building a Healthy Campus Environment
  Strategies to promote an ethical, inclusive environment, supported by expert-led workshops on fostering positive campus culture.

Final Assessment and Project

• Capstone Project: Participants will develop a complete POSH compliance plan for a hypothetical institution.
• Final Examination: A comprehensive test to assess understanding of POSH laws, policies, and strategies for implementation.

Participant Eligibility
This program is suitable for:

• HR professionals
• Compliance officers
• Legal professionals
• Corporate executives
• Educators and academic administrators
• Government officials
• NGO workers
• Internal committee members
• Diversity and inclusion officers
• Employee representatives

Program Outcomes

• Detailed Knowledge: Participants will gain a strong understanding of legal and POSH regulations.
• Practical Skills: Learn how to create and implement compliance programs that meet legal requirements.
• Risk Management: Ability to identify and manage legal risks in their organizations.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Enhanced capacity to address compliance challenges swiftly and effectively.
• Leadership Development: Strengthened leadership skills focused on ethical decision-making and legal compliance.
• Awareness of Consequences: A better understanding of the consequences of non-compliance for individuals and organizations.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Improved ability to create a respectful and inclusive workplace culture.
• Advocacy Skills: Gain the confidence to advocate for best practices in compliance and POSH within their organizations.

Future Career Prospects
Completing this program can open doors to roles such as:

• Chief Compliance Officer: Overseeing the organization’s compliance with legal and internal policies.
• Director of Employee Relations: Leading efforts to strengthen relationships between employers and employees while ensuring compliance.
• Legal Consultant: Providing organizations with advice on complex legal compliance issues.
• Policy Analyst: Developing and analyzing policies to help improve an organization’s compliance framework.
• Organizational Development Specialist: Focusing on improving an organization’s ethical practices and overall compliance.
• Regulatory Affairs Manager: Ensuring that the organization’s operations comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
• HR Compliance Specialist: Managing compliance within HR and making sure employment practices follow legal and organizational policies.
• Ethics Officer: Promoting ethical conduct within the organization to prevent misconduct and ensure legal compliance.

Job Opportunities
This program prepares participants for roles like:

• Compliance officer
• Human resources manager
• Legal advisor
• Corporate trainer
• Risk manager
• Audit and assurance professional
• Corporate social responsibility (CSR) specialist
• POSH consultant