A sexual harassment complaint is one of the most sensitive situations an IC, HR team, or employer will face. The procedural requirements are strict. The human stakes are high. And getting it wrong — procedurally or humanly — can cause enormous harm to the complainant, the respondent, and the organisation.
FIO Foundation operates Kerala's dedicated POSH helpline for IC members, HR professionals, and employers who need expert guidance at any stage of the complaint and inquiry process.
When to Call the Helpline
- A complaint has just been received and you are not sure how to acknowledge it
- You need to understand the difference between conciliation and formal inquiry
- An inquiry is underway and a procedural question has arisen
- A party is being uncooperative and you need guidance
- The inquiry is approaching the 90-day mark and you need to document reasons for extension
- You have received the inquiry report and are not sure how to act on it
- Your IC term has ended and you need reconstitution guidance
- Your Annual Report deadline is approaching
- You have received a legal notice related to POSH
What the Helpline Provides
- Immediate guidance via WhatsApp or phone call — within business hours
- Process walkthroughs — step-by-step guidance for specific complaint situations
- Document review — FIO Foundation can review complaint acknowledgment letters, interim relief orders, and inquiry notices before they are issued
- Annual Report support — guidance on preparing and filing the IC Annual Report under Section 21
- Retainer packages — for organisations that want year-round advisory access, FIO Foundation offers annual retainer packages covering helpline access, one Annual Report review, and a reconstitution reminder
What the Helpline Does NOT Do
To maintain clarity: FIO Foundation's helpline provides procedural and compliance guidance — it does not provide legal representation in court proceedings, adjudicate complaints, or advise parties to suppress or ignore valid complaints. We guide the process; the IC makes the decisions.
SHe-Box — Kerala's Government Complaint Portal
The Ministry of Women and Child Development operates the SHe-Box portal (shebox.wcd.gov.in) — a government platform through which any woman can file a POSH complaint against a public or private sector employer. Complaints filed on SHe-Box are routed to the appropriate IC or LC.
All organisations should be registered on SHe-Box and ensure their IC details are current on the portal. As of 2025, SHe-Box registration and digital compliance tracking are increasingly expected alongside physical Annual Report filing.
FIO Foundation can assist Kerala organisations with SHe-Box registration and portal compliance.
Related POSH Services in Kerala
POSH Employee Awareness Training
Activity-based sessions for all employees in Malayalam or English. Half-day or full-day. Certificate of Participation issued.
Learn more →IC Formation & Training
Legally compliant IC setup under Section 4 of the POSH Act — appointment order, member selection, full training for Presiding Officer and members.
Learn more →External Member Services
FIO Foundation can serve as your IC's external member with year-round helpline access and inquiry support.
Learn more →POSH Compliance Audit
A thorough review of IC constitution, POSH policy, training records and Annual Report history — with a written gap report and remediation roadmap.
Learn more →POSH Policy Review & Drafting
We review or redraft your POSH policy to meet current legal requirements — English, Malayalam or bilingual.
Learn more →POSH Helpline & Case Advisory
Kerala's dedicated POSH helpline for IC members, HR teams and employers — process guidance whenever you need it.
Learn more →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the helpline available 24/7?+
Helpline guidance is provided within business hours. WhatsApp messages outside business hours are responded to on the next working day. Active inquiry situations can be discussed in scheduled calls.
Do you provide legal representation?+
No. We provide procedural and compliance guidance to the IC, HR and employer. We do not represent complainants or respondents in court or tribunal proceedings.
Can we review draft documents with you before issuing?+
Yes. We can review complaint acknowledgment letters, interim relief orders, and inquiry notices before they are issued.
Do you offer a retainer?+
Yes. Annual retainer packages cover helpline access, one Annual Report review, and a reconstitution reminder. Contact us for terms.
Can you help us register on SHe-Box?+
Yes. We can guide your organisation through SHe-Box registration and keep your IC details current on the portal.
Reach the POSH Helpline
Kerala's POSH Act specialists. Call us, WhatsApp us, or write to us.