Benefits Of Sexual Harassment Training

The benefits of sexual harassment training are worth stating accurately, because overstating them is how organisations end up believing they have done enough.

What it does. Establishes a shared understanding of what the conduct is, including that intention is not part of the test. Tells people the reporting routes. Prepares managers for the first conversation, which is where most complaints are won or lost. And forms part of the evidence that reasonable steps were taken.

What it does not do. Change the behaviour of somebody who knows exactly what they are doing. Fix a reporting route that runs through the wrong person. Or discharge the positive duty on its own, which requires measures proportionate to your actual risk.

Training is one control among several. Useful, and not sufficient.

The Australian Human Rights Commission publishes the positive duty guidance. This is general information rather than legal advice, and obligations vary by state and territory.

See Sentrient’s sexual harassment course and sexual harassment course for managers.