QHRC – Contact Officer (Brisbane)

A full-day in person course for Contact Officers to understand their role, and secure the knowledge, skills and confidence to carry it out

Queensland Human Rights Commission (QHRC) presents Contact Officer (Brisbane)

This practical course will give Contact Officers an in-depth understanding of the role, as well as the knowledge, skills and confidence to carry it out. The course aims to help Contact Officers understand workplace policies and legislation around discrimination and harassment, become familiar with workplace procedures for dealing with these behaviours, convey this information to colleagues, and help them decide how to deal with problems they are experiencing.

This face to face session is highly interactive with a variety of visual and small group activities, and time for questions and discussion. Activities focus on the practical aspects of the Contact Officer role, on workplace policies and procedures, and on real cases or scenarios to help participants understand the key relevant legal concepts.

What is a Contact Officer?

Contact Officers are often the first port of call for staff experiencing bullying or harassment. Their role is not to resolve or investigate issues, but to: • give staff an opportunity to talk informally about a problem; • provide information about the options available to resolve the issue; and • help staff decide what course of action to take. The quality of the Contact Officer service can often determine whether workplace issues escalate, or are resolved quickly and effectively. They need to be good communicators, level-headed, understand impartiality and confidentiality, understand their role, and be capable of working within its limitations.

How can Contact Officers reduce risk for their organisation?

Trained Contact Officers are an important part of an effective system for dealing with complaints of inappropriate behaviour. Employers may be held liable for an employee’s behaviour, unless they can show they took ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent and manage it. Along with effective policies, complaints procedures and training, Contact Officers are one of the steps employers can take to support their commitment to a safe and productive workplace where all are treated fairly and with respect.

View the course outline for more information.

Date: Wednesday, 4th June – 9am to 4pm

Venue:Room B, 63 George Street, Brisbane

Cost: $440 per person

Register: Online