POSH training India / Internal Committee training
POSH training for Internal Committee members by Sutapa Sanyal, former DGP
An Internal Committee needs more than a copy of the POSH Act. Its members must know how to receive a complaint, hear both parties fairly, protect confidential information and explain the reasons for their findings.
Sutapa Sanyal’s Internal Committee training works through those decisions. A former Director General of Police, she brings experience of women’s safety and a case-based approach to the committee’s responsibilities under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
Who the training is for
The programme is for Presiding Officers, Internal Committee members, external members and HR teams that support the committee. It helps a newly formed committee understand its role and gives an existing committee space to examine how its process works in practice.
What committee members work through
- Composition and independence. The committee’s roles, eligibility requirements and potential conflicts of interest.
- Receiving a complaint. The written complaint, assistance with recording it, applicable time limits and the information needed to plan the next steps.
- Conciliation and inquiry. The difference between the two routes. Conciliation is available at the aggrieved woman’s request; monetary settlement cannot be its basis.
- A fair hearing. Planning questions, considering documents and witness accounts, and giving both parties a fair opportunity to respond.
- Confidentiality and protection. Handling sensitive information, understanding interim measures and recognising retaliation risks.
- Reasoned findings and reports. Connecting the evidence to each allegation, explaining findings and separating the committee’s recommendations from the employer’s action.
How the session works
Participants discuss workplace situations and the decisions a committee must make at each stage. The focus is on applying the law to facts, rather than learning a list of provisions by heart.
The training can be planned around the organisation’s policy, service rules and committee’s experience. Half-day and full-day formats are available, in person or online.
Questions organisations ask
Is employee awareness training enough for IC members?
Employee awareness and committee preparation serve different purposes. Employees need to recognise harassment and know where to report it. Committee members also need to understand the complaint and inquiry process, fairness, confidentiality and reporting.
Can the committee treat an unproved complaint as malicious?
No. An inability to substantiate a complaint or provide adequate proof does not, by itself, justify action against the complainant. Malicious intent must be established through an inquiry before action is recommended.
Does the workshop replace legal advice?
No. Training builds understanding and practical preparation. It does not decide a live complaint or replace case-specific legal advice.
Discuss an Internal Committee programme
To discuss training, contact Sutapa at sutapa@sutapasanyal.com with the organisation’s name, the committee’s experience, preferred format and timing.
Explore the POSH training India programme overview.