Dignity and Respect in the workplace in the spotlight

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Last updated: May 19th, 2022

Dignity and Respect in the workplace is back in the news as two Irish colleges have failed to outline their plans for tackling sexual harassment and violence at their institutions to Minister Simon Harris.

The colleges, the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) and Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT), were given until the end of March to submit their proposals to the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

Having expressed his disappointment with the colleges, Mr Harris said the plans are essential for making college life safer for both staff and students. The plans must outline the colleges’ zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment as well as how complaint handling or disciplinary procedures/protocols can be improved. Targeted awareness campaigns must also be implemented along with a review of institutional sexual misconduct policies.

Dignity and Respect in the workplace training

When it comes to Dignity and Respect in the workplace training, Graphite HRM has over a decade of experience helping employers, business owners, and HR personal understand the fundamentals by providing bespoke training sessions that cover:

  • An overview of employment equality and health & safety legislation as it relates to Dignity and Respect in the business.
  • An understanding of the associated behaviours, as well as what bullying & harassment in the workplace is and what it looks like.
  • Code of Practice, policy, and the responsibilities of staff.
  • The resolution process.

In more detail, the following areas are considered during each session:

What is bullying & harassment?

  • Understanding the origin of the definitions of sexual harassment, harassment, and bullying.
  • Defining the differences between bullying and harassment.
  • Understanding the concept of vicarious liability for the business.
  • Understanding the legal responsibilities of employers, managers, and employees.

The resolution process

  • Understanding the resolution processes as prescribed by the Codes of Practice and policy.
  • Outlining what options are available to persons who have made a complaint of bullying, harassment, or sexual harassment.
  • Understanding the difference between an informal and formal resolution process.
  • Understanding the potential implications of a formal investigation.

Escalating a complaint

  • Identifying and addressing areas that may cause difficulties or concerns for people working within the business.
  • Understanding the responsibilities of all employees in the workplace.
  • Understanding the methodology behind escalating a complaint.

Would you like to arrange a Dignity and Respect in the workplace training session?

If you would like to arrange Dignity and Respect in the workplace training for your business, or want to speak to a HR consultant about an issue you’re having, call 01 886 0350 now or request a callback here.

Book a call with a consultant

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Book a call with a consultant

Complete the form below and a consultant will call you as soon as possible.

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Rhiannon Coyne

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Rhiannon Coyne is a Senior HR Consultant at Graphite HRM and will be providing an overview of best practice on how to deal with complaints of bullying and harassment in the workplace. 

With a number of recent updates to employment laws, Rhiannon will take a closer look at employment equality and how it is interlinked to Health & Safety and what employers can learn from recent case laws.

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David Begg was also previously a director of the Central Bank of Ireland between 1995 and 2010.