Resources / Policies and Compliance / Sexual Harassment Prevention Plan Builder
Module 9: Policies and Compliance

Sexual Harassment Prevention Plan Builder

Since December 2022, every Australian employer has a positive duty under the Sex Discrimination Act to take reasonable and proportionate measures to eliminate sexual harassment, sex discrimination and sex-based victimisation. For early education services, where most of the team is women in a care role with frequent contact with families and contractors, this isn't a tick-box policy. This tool walks you through a 9-question risk check, then drafts a prevention plan covering policy, prevention, reporting, investigation, training and review.

1 Risk check
2 Your service
3 Plan

9-question risk check

These 9 questions map your current position against the 4 focus areas of the positive duty: policy, prevention strategies, reporting/investigation and workplace structure. The AI uses your answers to generate a traffic-light assessment and tailored recommendations.

Q1. Do you have a current sexual harassment policy that is specific to your service (not a generic template), aligned to the Respect at Work Act 2022?
"Current" means reviewed in the last 12 months and signed by all educators.
Q2. Do educators receive training on sexual harassment prevention, what it is, and how to report it?
Not a 5-minute induction video. Refresher training within the last 24 months.
Q3. Do your leaders (Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisor, Educational Leader, Room Leaders) have additional training on handling a complaint?
Q4. Are there multiple, clear channels for an educator to report a concern (including reporting someone who is their direct leader)?
For example, nominated supervisor, Approved Provider, external HR, anonymous online form.
Q5. If a complaint was made today, do you have a written investigation process that would be followed?
Q6. In the last 12 months, has anyone reported sexual harassment at your service (including informal mentions to a leader)?
Low counts don't mean no issues. Often they mean low psychological safety to report.
Q7. Are you managing the risk of sexual harassment from families, visitors and contractors, not just educators?
E.g. a tradesperson onsite, a parent at pickup, a bus driver on an excursion.
Q8. Do you consult with educators about sexual harassment risks and prevention, as required under the WHS Act?
Q9. Do you collect anonymous data (e.g. survey results, exit conversations) to understand if harassment is occurring below the surface?
0 of 9 answered