Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

The aim of this course is to help organisations create workplaces where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and professionalism. Participants will develop a clear understanding of what constitutes sexual harassment, why it occurs, and the practical steps individuals and organisations can take to prevent it.

The programme goes beyond simply explaining the law. It equips employees and managers with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to recognise inappropriate behaviour, respond appropriately to concerns, challenge unacceptable conduct safely, and contribute to a positive workplace culture where everyone feels valued and respected.

The course also supports organisations in meeting their legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 by helping employers demonstrate that they have taken reasonable, proactive steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

By the end of the course participants will be able to:

• Understand the legal definition of sexual harassment and employers' responsibilities under UK legislation.
• Recognise behaviours that may constitute sexual harassment, including verbal, non-verbal, physical and online conduct.
• Understand the impact of sexual harassment on individuals, teams and organisational culture.
• Identify the difference between acceptable workplace behaviour and inappropriate conduct.
• Respond appropriately if they experience or witness sexual harassment.
• Understand the importance of bystander intervention and how to challenge inappropriate behaviour safely and professionally.
• Know how to report concerns and access appropriate support within their organisation.
• Help create a respectful, inclusive and psychologically safe workplace where inappropriate behaviour is addressed early.
• Support their organisation in taking proactive steps to prevent sexual harassment and foster a culture of dignity and respect.

This course is suitable for employees at all levels who want to help create a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace. It is particularly valuable for organisations looking to meet their legal obligations to prevent sexual harassment while promoting a positive workplace culture where everyone feels valued and respected.

The programme can be tailored for employees, managers or mixed groups, making it suitable for organisations of all sizes across the private, public and voluntary sectors.

• Employees who want to understand what constitutes sexual harassment and how to respond appropriately.
• Managers and supervisors responsible for creating respectful teams and responding to concerns.
• Team leaders seeking to build a positive, inclusive and psychologically safe working environment.
• HR professionals responsible for implementing workplace policies and supporting employees.
• Business owners and directors who have a legal responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment.
• Organisations introducing or refreshing workplace dignity, equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• New employees as part of induction or onboarding programmes.
• Teams working in customer-facing, office-based, remote or hybrid environments.

Whether your organisation is looking to strengthen workplace culture, reduce organisational risk or demonstrate compliance with current UK legislation, this course provides practical knowledge and strategies that participants can apply immediately in their day-to-day roles.

• Pre-course consultation to understand your organisation, policies and training objectives
• Tailored course content designed around your workplace, industry and specific challenges
• Interactive trainer-led workshop delivered by an experienced workplace behaviour specialist
• Practical case studies and realistic workplace scenarios
• Group discussions and facilitated learning activities
• Individual and team exercises to encourage reflection and participation
• Electronic course materials and supporting resources
• Practical guidance on recognising, preventing and responding to sexual harassment
• Advice on meeting employers' legal duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment
• Opportunity for participants to ask questions and discuss workplace situations in a safe environment
• Post-course certificate of attendance
• Post-training support for follow-up questions (if offered)

Optional Extras

• Manager-specific module on handling complaints and conducting initial conversations
• Bespoke case studies based on your organisation
• Policy and procedure review
• Train-the-manager or train-the-trainer sessions
• Refresher workshops
• E-learning modules for ongoing compliance
• Annual refresher training to help demonstrate ongoing commitment to prevention

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sexual harassment training a legal requirement?

While UK law does not specifically require every employee to complete sexual harassment training, employers have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Since 26 October 2024, this proactive duty has been strengthened under the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023. Providing appropriate training is one of the most effective ways to demonstrate compliance.

Who should attend this course?

This course is suitable for employees at all levels, including managers, supervisors, team leaders, HR professionals and business owners. The content can be tailored to meet the needs of employees, managers or mixed groups.

Can the training be customised for our organisation?

Yes. Every course is tailored to reflect your organisation's policies, procedures, industry and workplace challenges. We can also incorporate your own workplace scenarios and case studies to ensure the training is practical, relevant and engaging.

Is this course suitable for managers?

Yes. Managers have additional responsibilities when preventing and responding to sexual harassment. We can include dedicated content covering how to respond to concerns, support employees, manage disclosures and fulfil legal responsibilities.

How long is the training course?

The course can be delivered as a 90-minute awareness session, a half-day workshop or a full-day programme. We will recommend the most appropriate format based on your objectives and audience.

Can the training be delivered online?

Yes. We offer both live virtual training and face-to-face workshops across Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall. Online sessions are interactive and include discussions, case studies and practical exercises.

Will participants receive course materials?

Yes. Participants receive supporting course materials and practical resources to reinforce learning and help them apply what they have learned in the workplace.

Do participants receive a certificate?

Yes. Certificates of attendance can be provided for all participants on completion of the course.

How many people can attend?

For the best learning experience, we recommend groups of up to 20 participants. However, we can deliver training for larger groups by running multiple sessions or adapting the format to suit your organisation.

What legislation does the course cover?

The course covers the Equality Act 2010, including the legal definition of sexual harassment, as well as the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, which introduced the proactive duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

Why choose instructor-led training instead of online compliance training?

While online compliance courses can provide a useful introduction, instructor-led training encourages discussion, explores real workplace situations and gives participants the opportunity to ask questions and practise responding to challenging scenarios. This leads to greater engagement, improved confidence and a stronger understanding of how to create a respectful workplace culture.