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:
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- 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!!