HOW TO FORM A POSH COMMITTEE?

Welcome to the POSHitive blog series by Safe Spaces Inc, a leading POSH advisory firm committed to fostering safer workplaces free from sexual harassment. In this blog post, we will delve into the crucial aspects of the POSH committee – what it is, when to form it, how to form it, and its pivotal role in creating a secure work environment.

What is the POSH committee?

The POSH committee, officially termed the Internal Committee (IC), is the designated body responsible for handling cases related to sexual harassment at the workplace, as mandated by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. While previously known as the Internal Complaints Committee, the shift in nomenclature reflects a broader perspective on its core function – moving beyond complaint resolution to actively creating a safe work environment through prevention, prohibition, and redressal of sexual harassment.

Distinct from Grievance Redressal Committee:

It is crucial to note that the IC serves a specific purpose and should not be confused with a general grievance redressal committee. The IC has a focused role, and there are specific rules governing its composition, reflecting its commitment to addressing sexual harassment cases.

Why form the Internal Committee?

As per the Act, the IC is mandatory for organizations with more than 10 employees, regardless of gender composition, nature of work, age of operations, or sector. For organizations with fewer than 10 employees, the option to approach the local committee at the district office for lodging complaints is available.

Formation Rules for the Internal Committee:

The Act provides clear guidelines for forming the Internal Committee:

1. Composition:

???- A presiding officer: A senior female employee in the organization.

???- Members: At least 2 employees committed to the cause of women, possessing legal knowledge or experience in social work.

???- External member: Either from an NGO/association committed to the cause of women or a person familiar with the issue of sexual harassment.

2. Term of Members:

???- IC members have a term of up to 3 years as per the Act.

3. Gender Representation:

???- The IC should have at least 50% women members.

The Impact of the Internal Committee:

The Internal Committee plays a vital role in effecting change toward creating a safe workplace, free from sexual harassment. Its impact goes beyond the visible, creating psychological safety for women and contributing to attracting the right talent to organizations.

Continual Training:

In addition to its formation, it is mandatory for the Internal Committee to undergo training every year. This ensures that the committee remains well-equipped to fulfill its duty of creating a safe workplace, free from sexual harassment.

Safe Spaces Inc's belief:

Safe Spaces Inc, as a POSH advisory firm, envisions a workplace where no person has to compromise on career opportunities due to the fear of sexual harassment. Through comprehensive advisory services and a commitment to training, Safe Spaces Inc aims to contribute to the realization of this vision.

In conclusion, the POSH committee, in its role as the Internal Committee, stands as a cornerstone in the pursuit of safer workplaces. By understanding its formation, purpose, and ongoing training requirements, organizations can take significant strides towards fostering a work environment free from sexual harassment. Stay POSHitive!

If you need support on POSH compliance, visit us at www.safespacesinc.in

Source of this blog is: https://safespacesinc.in/blog/f/posh-committee---what-when-and-where

PS: Please note that this is not intended to be legal advice on Prevention Of Sexual Harassment and written expressly with the pyurpose of answering POSH FAQs.