| Circular Number | 2018-06 |
| Superseded by: | Circular 2022-26: Prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace guidance issued 26 September 2022 Circular 2020-22: Prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace guidance issued 18 December 2020 |
| Supersedes: | Circular 2018-03: Model Sexual Harassment Policy and Practice Guide issued 25 September 2018. |
| Issue date: | 23 November 2018 |
| Application: | All Victorian public sector bodies |
| Resources | Prevention of sexual harassment |
| 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 and Guide.
The Model Policy and Guide are now available on the VPSC website at https://www.vpsc.vic.gov.au/resources/prevention-sexual-harassment-workplace/
The Equal Opportunity Act 2010 requires organisations to take proactive steps to eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace.
The Model Policy and 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 Statement on Sexual Harassment was released on 22 March 2018.
The Sexual Harassment in the Victorian Public Service Working Group (Working Group) was set up under the auspices of the Integrity and Corporate Reform Sub-committee of the Victorian Secretaries Board. The Working Group is chaired by the Deputy Public Sector Commissioner, and has representation from across departments, including Victoria Police.
The Working Group is undertaking a program of work to promote best practice prevention and response to sexual harassment in the workplace, and the delivery of consistent outcomes. A key focus of the Working Group is on ensuring that those who have experienced sexual harassment have confidence to come forward.
This Model Policy 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 Guide assists organisations in implementing 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 Guide.