Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Policy

Introduction

At SkilledUP Academy, we are committed to fostering a workplace where every employee feels safe, respected, valued, and empowered. We believe that every individual has the right to work in an environment free from harassment, discrimination, and intimidation.

This Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Policy reflects our commitment to maintaining a professional, inclusive, and respectful workplace. The policy aims to prevent, prohibit, and address all forms of sexual harassment and applies to all employees, irrespective of their role, designation, employment status, or tenure.

Our Commitment

SkilledUP Academy is dedicated to:

• Providing a safe, secure, and respectful working environment for all employees.
• Promoting a culture of dignity, equality, and mutual respect.
• Maintaining zero tolerance for any form of sexual harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.
• Ensuring prompt, fair, and confidential resolution of complaints.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome act or behavior of a sexual nature, whether verbal, non-verbal, written, visual, digital, or physical. Such conduct may create an intimidating, hostile, offensive, or uncomfortable work environment.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Unwelcome physical contact or advances.
• Requests or demands for sexual favors.
• Sexually suggestive comments, jokes, remarks, or gestures.
• Displaying, sharing, or circulating sexually explicit content.
• Sending inappropriate messages, emails, or social media communications.
• Any behavior that undermines an individual’s dignity based on gender, sexual orientation, or other legally protected characteristics.

Sexual harassment is strictly prohibited within the workplace, during work-related events, business travel, virtual meetings, training sessions, and any off-site interaction connected to work.

Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees, interns, consultants, trainees, contractual staff, and temporary workers.
• All workplace locations, including offices, client sites, training venues, and virtual workspaces.
• Work-related events, meetings, conferences, travel, and social gatherings associated with the organization.
• Interactions that occur outside official working hours when they impact the workplace or involve employees of the organization.

Reporting Mechanism

Employees who experience, witness, or become aware of any incident of sexual harassment are encouraged to report it promptly.

To ensure accessibility and confidentiality, complaints may be reported through any of the following channels:

Internal Committee (IC)

Presiding Officer
Administration
Email: info@skilledupacademy.com
Mobile: 9917527364

Internal Member
Pravin
Email: pravin@skilledupacademy.com
Mobile: 9811114166

Internal Member
Joby
Email: joby@skilledupacademy.com
Mobile: 8377983583

Employees may also reach out to the Human Resources Department for guidance and support.

Investigation and Corrective Action

All complaints received under this policy will be handled promptly, fairly, and impartially by the Internal Committee.

The investigation process will include:

• Reviewing the complaint and relevant facts.
• Collecting evidence and statements from concerned parties.
• Ensuring all parties are given an opportunity to be heard.
• Maintaining neutrality and procedural fairness throughout the process.

Based on the findings, appropriate action may be taken, including but not limited to:

• Counseling or awareness interventions.
• Written warnings or disciplinary action.
• Suspension or termination of employment.
• Legal action in accordance with applicable laws.

The nature of corrective action will depend on the severity and circumstances of the misconduct.

Awareness and Training

SkilledUP Academy conducts regular awareness and training programs to:

• Educate employees about what constitutes sexual harassment.
• Promote understanding of rights and responsibilities under the POSH framework.
• Encourage respectful workplace behavior.
• Inform employees about reporting procedures and available support mechanisms.
• Foster an inclusive and harassment-free work culture.

Confidentiality

All complaints, investigations, proceedings, and related information will be treated with the highest degree of confidentiality.

Information will be disclosed only on a need-to-know basis and in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Every effort will be made to protect the privacy, dignity, and reputation of all individuals involved.

Retaliation against any person who reports a concern, participates in an investigation, or supports a complainant is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee is expected to:

• Read, understand, and comply with this POSH Policy.
• Treat colleagues, clients, vendors, and stakeholders with respect and professionalism.
• Refrain from engaging in any form of sexual harassment or inappropriate conduct.
• Report incidents, concerns, or violations promptly and responsibly.
• Cooperate fully during investigations when required.
• Contribute to creating and maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and safe workplace.

Contact Information

For any questions, concerns, or clarification regarding this policy, employees may contact the Human Resources Department or any member of the Internal Committee.

Conclusion

At SkilledUP Academy, maintaining a workplace free from harassment is a shared responsibility. By treating one another with dignity, respect, and professionalism, we can build a positive, inclusive, and safe environment where everyone can thrive.

Let us work together to uphold a culture of respect and ensure a harassment-free workplace for all.