POSH Committee and External NGO Members: India, UK, and US Compliance Guide
Building Safe and Inclusive Workplaces
Partner with experienced NGO professionals to create effective POSH Committees and harassment prevention frameworks that ensure compliance and foster trust.
What is a POSH Committee?
A POSH Committee, also known as the Internal Committee (IC), is a specialized team that helps organizations prevent and address workplace sexual harassment. Having an effective POSH Committee is crucial not only for legal compliance but also for building a truly safe and inclusive environment.
POSH Committee Structure in India
Under India's POSH Act, 2013, every company with 10 or more employees is required to establish an Internal Committee to address complaints of sexual harassment. A unique feature of this law is the mandatory inclusion of an external member from a respected NGO.
Neutrality & Objectivity
External members provide an unbiased voice, ensuring fair investigations and decisions
Credibility
Their presence reassures employees that the process is trustworthy and professional
Expertise
NGO professionals bring deep experience in gender issues, legal requirements, and trauma-sensitive care
Benefits of Involving External NGO Members
How URE POSH Can Help
Our network includes leading NGO professionals and compliance specialists ready to serve as external POSH Committee members for organizations in India and as external advisors for companies in the UK and US.
Ready to Build an Effective POSH Committee?
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Frequently Asked Questions
An external member of the POSH Committee in India is typically a person who is not an employee of the organization and brings relevant expertise in areas such as legal matters, gender sensitivity, or workplace harassment prevention. This individual can be a lawyer, a gender sensitivity trainer, a psychologist, or a representative from an NGO working on women's rights.
Having an external NGO member on the harassment committee is important because it brings unbiased, specialized expertise in handling cases of sexual harassment and gender issues. An NGO representative can provide an objective perspective, ensure transparency, and help create a safe and supportive environment for complainants.
The international standard for workplace harassment investigations emphasizes fairness, confidentiality, thoroughness, and impartiality. Investigations should be conducted promptly and objectively, ensuring that all parties involved are given an equal opportunity to present their case.
To appoint an external expert for your company's committee, identify the specific expertise needed and research reputable professionals or organizations with relevant experience. Verify their credentials and define their roles and responsibilities clearly.