Fórsa branches and members can now organise training sessions provided by the Galway Rape Crisis Centre (GRCC) on sexual harassment in the workplace.

 
The sexual harassment training aims to create a workplace culture where individuals feel supported to report incidents and to equip management and their teams with the skills to identify and respond appropriately to sexual harassment.

The training also outlines support pathways, both internal and external, on options available to staff who might be dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace. 

Susan Costello, head of development at the GRCC and Fórsa member, encouraged people to think about how the training could benefit their workplace and to get in touch for more information.

She said: “Practical training can make a real difference to building a supportive culture where workers feel safe.”

This training is delivered by experienced, trauma-informed facilitators from GRCC and can be adapted to an organisation’s size, sector, and policies. It includes real-life case examples, discussion and Q&As and is available in-person and online.

The purpose of the training is to help organisations meet their legal obligations, strengthen staff awareness by providing clear guidance on identifying and responding to sexual harassment in the workplace.

According to the Code of Practice on Sexual Harassment and Harassment at Work 2022, an employer is legally responsible for harassment suffered by employees in the course of their employment unless they take reasonable, practicable steps to prevent it, to reverse the effects of it, and to prevent its recurrence. 

This training contributes to creating a healthier, more respectful workplace culture while promoting a safer working environment for all. 

Investing in sexual harassment training is a crucial step towards fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment. It supports an organisation's compliance with the Employment Equality Acts 1998–2015 and builds staff confidence and workplace trust. 

When individuals feel safe and supported, they are more likely to perform at their best, collaborate effectively, and contribute to the overall success of an organisation. 

If you would like to arrange a training session for your branch or organisation or if you have any other query, please contact education@grcc.ie  or visit https://galwayrcc.ie/education-training/

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