The role of a Respectful Workplace Advisor is to:

• Be a resource person for staff.
• Facilitate the Informal Complaint Process and/or
• Facilitate Conflict Resolution amongst the parties.
• Initiate the Mediation Process.
• Initiate the Formal Complaint Process (Investigation).
• And/or Conduct the Investigation.

Adapt the needs of your organization to the role of a Respectful Workplace Advisor that is most beneficial.  The role will be conducted under the guidance of your organization’s Respectful Workplace Policy and provincial/federal legislation.

Benefits of a Respectful Workplace Advisor:

• Have a designate who thoroughly understands the policy, procedures and legislation.
• The “go to” person is seen to be unbiased and trust worthy.
• Enquires/complaints are addressed in a professional, timely manner with sensitivity.
• Addresses the complaint in the early stages before the workplace becomes poisoned.
• A higher success rate in resolving complaints in the Informal Process.
• Improves staff morale when complaints are dealt with quickly and efficiently.
• Prevents most complaints from going to the Formal Process thus reducing:

• • The cost of an investigation
  • Stress on the parties directly involved including their witnesses
  • A hardened position between the complainant and respondent and their co-workers.
  • Have an In-House Investigator to save the organization a costly investigation.

RESPECTFUL WORKPLACE ADVISOR TRAINING

Informal Process Training

The three day workshop prepares you from the initial receipt of a complaint to facilitating conflict resolution.   Included in the customized workshop is:

• In-depth understanding of the Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Legislation (if applicable), and the Criminal Code.
• Interpreting your organization’s policy and how it interacts with legislation.
• Enhanced resolution skills and techniques.
• Understanding the legalities and guidelines in conducting the Informal Resolution Process.
• Writing an effective resolution agreement.

Formal Process (In-House Investigator training)

An In-House Investigator requires the 3 day workshop above plus 2 additional days of training to prepare you on how to conduct internal workplace investigations.  The two day workshop addresses the following:

• Understanding the Principles of Natural Justice.
• Aware of the Legal Rights of an Investigator.
• Questioning Techniques.
• Understanding and Enforcing the Rights of the Complainant and the Respondent.
• Adjudication.

Some organizations, have external Investigators and/or Mediators facilitate the more complex issues that could be perceived as bias if conducted internally.  

Give us a call to assist you in enhancing a safe, respectful workplace environment!!