Creating a workplace free of sexual harassment isn’t just a legal mandate—it’s a commitment to safety, dignity, and inclusion. For organisations seeking to deliver POSH training (Prevention of Sexual Harassment training), one of the key decisions is:
Should you train internal employees to conduct sessions or engage external facilitators?
This guide walks you through that decision, comparing both approaches, highlighting key roles suitable for internal training, and helping you make the right choice based on your budget, scale, and goals.
Why POSH Training Matters
Why POSH Training Is Legally and Culturally Essential
POSH training is mandatory under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. Every organisation with 10 or more employees must:
- Conduct awareness and sensitisation sessions for all staff
- Train the Internal Committee (IC) members
- Ensure records of training are maintained for compliance audits
Read detailed Duties of Employer under the POSH Act in the link here: safespacesinc.in/what-are-my-duties-as-an-employer-under-the-posh-act
But beyond legal compliance, POSH training plays a critical cultural role. It helps:
- Build awareness of respectful workplace behaviour
- Encourage reporting and bystander intervention
- Align with broader DEI and psychological safety goals
Done well, POSH training becomes a catalyst for positive workplace culture.
Internal vs External POSH Trainers: What’s the Difference?
Comparing Internal vs External POSH Trainers for Your Workplace
Here’s a quick comparison to help you evaluate both models across important parameters:
| Factor | Internal Trainers | External Trainers |
| Training Budget | Low to medium – one-time investment in certification | High – per session costs but no internal setup needed |
| Familiarity with Culture | High – trainers understand internal dynamics | Medium – may require context briefing |
| Perceived Neutrality | May face perceived bias or internal resistance | Seen as impartial and credible |
| Scalability | High – once trainers are certified, easily repeatable sessions | Medium – depends on trainer availability |
| Legal Expertise | Depends on upskilling and TTT certification | High – often legally trained or experienced in POSH compliance |
| Customisation | High – content can be tailored to internal scenarios | Medium – customisable with input, but limited by session structure |
| Engagement Quality | Varies – depends on facilitation skills | Typically high – trained facilitators with sensitive handling skills |
| Consistency | High – if SOPs and content templates are used consistently | High – structured content with expert quality control |
Decision Matrix: Internal vs External POSH Trainers
How to Choose the Right POSH Training Format for Your Organization
Use this matrix to guide your decision:
| Your Organisation’s Profile | Recommended Approach |
| Training budget is limited | Internal trainers (TTT model) |
| Need to scale training quickly | Internal trainers or e-learning |
| High need for legal accuracy | External trainers |
| Desire for culture change engagement | Internal + external co-facilitation |
| Teams are spread across geographies | Internal trainers or digital learning |
| First-time POSH implementation | External trainers |
| Repeated or refresher sessions | Internal trainers |
Who Can Be Groomed as POSH Trainers Internally?
If you’re exploring the internal route, the following roles are ideal for POSH Train-the-Trainer (TTT) certification:
- L&D or Training Partners – Skilled in facilitation and rollouts
- HR Business Partners – Trusted and close to employee concerns
- Legal or Compliance Teams – Provide depth on law and policy
- DEI Champions – Help reinforce inclusion narratives
- Internal Committee Members – Share real case-based perspectives
Combining two profiles (e.g., legal + HR) can enhance both impact and credibility.
Still Exploring POSH Training Formats?
Other POSH Training Methods: E-learning, Hybrid & Live Sessions
You may also want to explore other training options such as:
- E-learning – Best for consistent, scalable learning
- Live expert sessions – Ideal for deeper engagement and Q&A
- Hybrid models – Combine flexibility and impact
Check out our detailed guide comparing all POSH training methods for your team size, budget, and training goals.
To request a trainer-led POSH session you can read through our offerings briefly here.
How Safe Spaces Can Support Your POSH Training Goals
At Safe Spaces, we offer comprehensive solutions tailored to your POSH training needs:
✅ POSH Train-the-Trainer (TTT) Certification – Build confident internal trainers
✅ Expert-led live sessions – For first-time rollout or sensitive teams
✅ E-learning modules – To scale training across geographies
✅ POSH Compliance Consultation – Ensure you meet all legal mandates
FAQs: Choosing the Right POSH Training Approach
Q: Is POSH training mandatory for all organizations?
A: Yes, under the POSH Act, all companies with 10 or more employees must conduct regular awareness sessions for employees and provide formal training for Internal Committee (IC) members.
Q: Can we use internal trainers for POSH awareness sessions?
A: Yes, if they are POSH Train-the-Trainer (TTT) certified and trained in facilitation, internal trainers can conduct awareness sessions.
Q: What is the best format for POSH refresher training?
A: The best format depends on the context of your organization. You can choose from in-person workshops, virtual sessions, e-learning modules, or certified internal trainers—based on what suits your scale, team distribution, and training goals.
Also explore our upcoming POSH TTT certification batch : FAQ link | May batch registration link
Book a POSH compliance consultation with our experts today
POSHitive Outlook
POSHitive, a mini-blog by Safe Spaces Inc., aims to simplify POSH compliance into easily digestible pieces.
Remember, creating a safe workplace is not just a legal obligation but an ethical commitment to contribute to a positive and thriving work environment.
Join us on our journey towards building workplaces where everyone feels secure, respected, and empowered. After all, Safe Spaces are the foundation of a POSHitive future!
For further support on POSH Compliance, POSH Trainings, or Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) training, visit Safe Spaces Inc. or contact us at support@safespacesinc.in
PS: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. If you have experienced sexual harassment, please seek professional help or contact the relevant authorities.
