POSH Training for Employees, Managers & Internal Committees
Build a workplace where every employee knows what sexual harassment is, how to prevent it and how to report it, and where your Internal Committee can handle complaints fairly, confidentially and on time. VATS Consulting delivers customised POSH awareness training across India, aligned with the POSH Act, 2013.
Request a POSH Training ProposalCall +91 70425 59108What is POSH, and what is POSH training?
What is POSH?
POSH stands for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment. In India it refers to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, commonly called the POSH Act. It requires employers to prevent sexual harassment at work, set up a mechanism to handle complaints, and redress them fairly.
Under the Act, sexual harassment includes unwelcome behaviour such as:
- Physical contact and advances
- A demand or request for sexual favours
- Sexually coloured remarks
- Showing pornography
- Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature
What is POSH training?
POSH training is structured awareness and capability building that helps everyone in your organisation understand the Act, recognise harassment, respond to it, and use the complaint process with confidence.
Effective POSH training is not one generic session. Different groups need different depth:
- Employees need awareness, clear examples and how to report
- Managers need to know how to respond and prevent retaliation
- Internal Committee members need procedural and inquiry skills
- All training should reflect your own POSH policy, workplace and culture
What the POSH Act, 2013 requires of employers
The Act places clear duties on every employer. Regular awareness programmes and orientation for Internal Committee members are part of those duties, not an optional extra.
Constitute an Internal Committee
Every workplace with 10 or more employees must constitute an Internal Committee (IC), presided over by a senior woman employee and including an external member.
Run awareness programmes
Employers must organise workshops and awareness programmes at regular intervals to sensitise employees, and orientation programmes for IC members.
Policy and display
Employers must provide a safe workplace and display the penal consequences of sexual harassment and the order constituting the IC at a conspicuous place.
Timelines for complaints
A complaint is to be made within three months of the incident (extendable by up to three months), and the inquiry is to be completed within 90 days.
Annual reporting
The IC prepares an annual report, and the employer includes the number of cases and their disposal in its annual report.
Penalties for non-compliance
A fine of up to ₹50,000. Repeat violations can attract twice the penalty and the cancellation or non-renewal of business licences.
Sources: Supreme Court of India, Handbook on the POSH Act, 2013 ยท Summary of Supreme Court directions on POSH compliance. This page is general information, not legal advice.
POSH training designed for every level of your organisation
We tailor each programme to your POSH policy, industry, workforce and language needs, so the content feels relevant rather than generic.
POSH Awareness Training
Typically 90 minutes to half a day
- The POSH Act, 2013 in plain language
- What counts as sexual harassment, with workplace scenarios
- Consent, respect and the impact of behaviour
- Your organisation’s POSH policy and how to complain
- Bystander responsibility and speaking up
- Confidentiality and protection against retaliation
POSH Sensitisation for Managers
Typically half a day
- Leaders’ role in creating a safe, respectful culture
- Spotting early warning signs in teams
- Responding when someone confides in you
- Avoiding victimisation and retaliation
- Supporting the IC process and interim relief
- Leading by example on inclusive behaviour
IC Orientation & Capability Building
Typically one full day
- Roles, powers and duties of the Internal Committee
- Receiving complaints and conciliation
- Conducting a fair inquiry and principles of natural justice
- Evidence, witness handling and confidentiality
- Statutory timelines and writing the inquiry report
- Annual reporting and record-keeping
Formats that fit your workforce
In-person workshops
Interactive sessions at your offices, plants or branches anywhere in India.
Live virtual sessions
Facilitated online training for distributed and remote teams.
Hybrid roll-outs
A mix of formats for multi-location organisations and shift workers.
Induction & refreshers
POSH modules for new joiners and periodic refreshers for existing staff.
POSH training you can show, not just schedule
In line with our Impact Assurance approach, we build measurement and documentation into every programme.
Why organisations choose us for POSH training
Of people development since 1999, across manufacturing, banking, PSUs, FMCG, IT and more.
Professionals trained, giving us deep experience with diverse workforces and audiences.
Expert trainers in all metros and almost every major city, for consistent multi-location roll-outs.
Programmes built on our Impact Assurance model, with assessment and documentation built in.
POSH training: frequently asked questions
Is POSH training mandatory in India?
Yes. Section 19 of the POSH Act, 2013 requires employers to organise workshops and awareness programmes at regular intervals to sensitise employees, and orientation programmes for Internal Committee members.
How often should POSH awareness training be conducted?
The Act says “at regular intervals” without fixing a frequency. Most organisations run awareness training for all employees at least once a year, cover POSH in induction for new joiners, and train new IC members when the committee is constituted or changes.
Who should attend POSH training for employees?
All employees, of every gender and level, including managers, leadership and, where relevant, contract staff and interns. The Act protects women at the workplace, but preventing harassment depends on everyone understanding acceptable behaviour.
What is covered in Internal Committee training?
The IC’s powers and duties, receiving complaints, conciliation, conducting a fair inquiry, principles of natural justice, confidentiality, statutory timelines, writing the inquiry report and annual reporting.
Can POSH training be conducted online?
Yes. We deliver live virtual sessions as well as in-person workshops. Many organisations use a hybrid approach to reach every location and shift.
What does POSH training cost?
It depends on the audience (employees, managers or IC members), the number of participants and sessions, the format and the locations. Share your requirements and we’ll send a customised proposal.
Build a respectful, high-performing workplace
Plan POSH training for your organisation
Tell us your team size, locations and which groups need training: employees, managers or your Internal Committee. We’ll recommend the right programme and send a proposal.
Request a Proposal