Ms. Jacqui Boughton

Jacqui Boughton, Manager - Business Training and Consulting, VECCI

"In recent cases highlighted in the media organisations have been found liable in cases of workplace bullying and harassment and as a result, have paid hefty fines and damages, says VECCI Business Training and Consulting Manager, Jacqui Boughton.

"Frequently, managers are simply ignorant of what is happening until a formal complaint is lodged.

"VECCI is presenting a series of briefings to inform businesses of their legal obligations and provide practical advice on how to deal with workplace bullying", says Ms Boughton.

"VECCI is delighted to be partnering with The Centre", says VECCI Manager - Business Training and Consulting Jacqui Boughton.

"Some of the VECCI training programs to be offered through The Centre include topics covering: Leadership; Communication Marketing; OHS; WorkCover; Recruitment & Selection; Industrial Relations; and Harassment/Bullying Contact Officer programs.

"This initiative will assist VECCI with the delivery of programs in regional centres, especially in terms of finding suitable facilities.We view this partnership as an ideal opportunity to trial a different approach", says Ms Boughton.

VECCI Manager - Business Training and Consulting Jacqui Boughton said that employers are liable under both OHS & EO legislation to prevent bullying and harassment in the workplace."To this end, management must take proactive measures to develop policies and procedures and then educate their employees (both management and staff) about their rights and responsibilities to have a bullying and harassment free working environment", says Ms Boughton."Should a complaint be made, an effective and fair internal resolution process needs to be available to resolve the issues before escalating into a more serious problem."To this end, VECCI will be holding briefings in Ballarat and Geelong to look at practical options for dealing with bullying complaints and harassment in the workplace."The participant will learn what to do when a complaint is lodged and how it should be managed within the workplace."These briefings are designed largely for business proprietors, managers, supervisors and HR managers", says Ms Boughton.

The chambers business training and consulting manager, Jacqui Boughton, said that employers must take proactive measures to develop an effective and fair internal resolution process for when a complaint is made.

,These briefings are designed largely for business proprietors, managers, supervisors and human resource managers,, Ms Boughton said yesterday.

The Wodonga session will be from 5.30pm to 7.30pm today at Comfort Inn and Suites Blazing Stump, Tallangatta Rd, Wodonga, with registration at 5.15pm.

The Wangaratta session will run from 9am to 11am tomorrow at Sundowner Parkview Motor Inn, 56 Ryley St, Wangaratta, with registration starting at 8.45am.

For more information contact Ms Boughton on (03) 8662 5204.

,Issues such as unfair dismissal claims, complaints of discrimination in the workplace and possible breaches of occupational health and safety regulations pose a threat to unwary players,, Ms Jacqui Boughton said.

Ms Boughton is VECCIs manager business and training.

,There is a wide and ever-increasing range of State and federal legislation of which business must be aware,, she said.

,Just because you have been operating your business in a certain way without any legal hiccups does not mean that you wont be caught out in future.

,Todays employers need to be fully versed on present law relating to equal opportunity, industrial relations, workers compensation and occupational health and safety, to name just a few.,

Ms Boughton said Tuesdays Employment Law course would help Border employers update their knowledge of existing legal requirements.

,The course will help employers appreciate the breadth of law and regulations relevant to the workplace, with particular reference to responsibilities and obligations affecting discrimination, health and safety, workers compensation and industrial relations law,, Ms Boughton said.