Risk management processes for sexual harassment

The risk management process for sexual harassment model below has been adapted from the Safe Work Australia model code of practice. It’s been applied specifically to address sexual harassment although the principles and approach are the same. 

There are three principles that underpin the model which we will consider here first. These are:

• management commitment
• consultation
• transparency

The four steps in the model – identifying risks, assessing risks, controlling risks and reviewing risks are considered in the proceeding sections.

Management commitment

Without a strong leadership commitment toward managing the risks of sexual harassment there is little chance of organisations taking a proactive approach to preventing sexual harassment before it occurs. Management can set the tone for the organisation and drive positive actions that impacts everyone, in large or small businesses. 

An effective way of demonstrating commitment is the development of a leadership statement of commitment that is publicly available and promoted to all workers in an organisation. This is a good starting point for organisations as they embark on their journey through the risk management process. 

The example statement below was developed by Champions of Change in their publication Disrupting the System: Preventing and Responding to Sexual Harassment in the Workplace. You can use it as a template to develop your own leadership statement. It is important that this is adapted to your context so that it has authenticity and impact. There are key message elements that provide guidance on the type of content you might need. 

You can download an editable version of this template on this page.