| Circular Number | 2018-03 |
| Superseded by: |
Circular 2022-26: Prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace guidance issued 26 September 2022 Circular 2022-22: Prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace guidance issued 18 December 2020. Circular 2019-09: Respectful workplaces framework and prevention of sexual harassment - model action plan issued 15 July 2019 Circular 2018-06: Prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace issued 23 November 2018 |
| Issue date: | 25 September 2018 |
| Application: | All Victorian public sector bodies |
| Resources | Sexual Harassment Model Policy for VPS organisations |
| Enquiries: | Integrity and Oversight branch Victorian Public Sector Commission 03 9922 8600 [email protected] |
Key Points
This is the first version of the Model Policy. An associated Practice Guide will be published shortly.
The Model Policy is available in the VPSC resource suite.
The Equal Opportunity Act 2010 requires organisations to take proactive steps to eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace.
The Model Policy and Practice Guide seek to support the Victorian Public Service and sector to fulfil this positive duty.
When updating policies and procedures, specific organisational requirements should be taken into account.
The Victorian Secretaries Board released a statement on sexual harassment on 22 March 2018.
The Sexual Harassment in the Victorian Public Service Working Group was set up under the auspices of the Integrity and Corporate Reform Sub-committee of the Victorian Secretaries Board. Chaired by the Deputy Public Sector Commissioner this Working Group is leading work to promote best practice and the delivery of consistent outcomes. The Working Group is focused on ensuring that those who have experienced sexual harassment have confidence to come forward.
This Circular applies to the Victorian Public Service. Victorian Public Service bodies are encouraged to revise their policy and procedures on sexual harassment in line with the Model Policy. The Practice Guide will assist organisations to implement their sexual harassment policies.
All Victorian public sector entities are encouraged to revise their policy and procedures on sexual harassment, ensuring these are informed by the Model Policy and Practice Guide.