Webinar: Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Sexual harassment remains a persistent issue in workplaces across the UK, with surveys showing nearly a third of employees experience some form of harassment in a work-related setting each year. With the festive season fast approaching, work-related social events such as Christmas parties, client entertaining, and team celebrations bring additional risks. Re-watch our webinar with Amy White, where she guides employers through their responsibilities and offers practical steps to create safer workplaces, just in time for the festive season.

The Background:

From 26 October 2024, the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act) Act 2023 introduced a new legal duty on employers: to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Early signs show this new law is already having an impact. Acas recently reported a 39% increase in helpline calls about sexual harassment in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year, from both employees and employers. This sharp rise reflects growing awareness among staff, and uncertainty among employers about their new obligations.

Employers must ensure that staff are trained on appropriate behaviour, that clear reporting policies are in place, and that proactive steps are taken to minimise risks and respond swiftly if concerns arise. Failure to comply can be costly, with Tribunal awards increased by 25% for organisations that haven’t taken reasonable preventative steps, and uplifts ranging from £12,500 to £250,000 having already been seen.

This webinar will help you understand what sexual harassment looks like, the risks it creates for organisations, and the proactive steps you can take to foster a safe, respectful workplace culture.

What You’ll Gain from this Session:

• Clarity on what constitutes workplace harassment – including sexual harassment and harassment linked to protected characteristics.
• Insights on the new legal obligations under the Worker Protection Act 2023 and awareness of the risks – from legal exposure to reputational and cultural damage.
• Practical steps to prevent harassment, including how to constructively challenge inappropriate behaviour and create a zero-tolerance environment.
• Seasonal tips for employers – how to manage risks during Christmas party season, from social settings to work-related travel.
• Guidance on reporting and investigation processes that balance fairness, confidentiality, and resolution.

Prevention of Sexual Harassment Support Packages:

If you’re looking to strengthen your organisation’s culture and compliance, take a look at our Prevention of Sexual Harassment Support Packages, covering HR guidance and legal advice.

Tier One: Compliance Foundations to Meet Minimum Legal Requirements: Price from £950 + VAT

• HR Consultant and Solicitor to complete a risk assessment for your business
• Report identifying risks and how to address them
• Policy templates compliant with the latest legislation on bullying and harassment, equal opportunities, disciplinary and grievance
• Compliance record template to evidence steps taken
• Six-month and 12-month check-ins to assess need to update and introduce relevant policies

Tier Two: Processes in Practice: Price from £1,950 + VAT 

Everything in tier one, plus:

• Training video for employees – raising awareness with the existing team and also for use in induction training for new starters, introducing the legal duty and associated expectations
• Line manager training video – to support your managers to improve their knowledge, understand what is expected of them, covering receiving and responding to sensitive disclosures, and supporting with resolution

Tier Three: Ongoing Support to Achieve Accountability: Price from £3,450 + VAT 

Everything in tiers one and two, plus:

• Assisting with the introduction of effective reporting mechanisms for sexual harassment and bullying
• Providing recommendations and support to maintain a high level of visibility and awareness
• Guidance on how to handle a complaint – legal input to advise on EQA, unfair dismissals, criminal aspects, and the risks of ignoring  
• Supporting with analysing reporting data to identify patterns and areas of concern, with recommendations on how to address concerns

Additional bolt-on options:

• Sexual harassment specific staff surveys to obtain an accurate picture of the occurrence of sexual harassment in the workplace
• Facilitating staff listening sessions (either in-person or online) to gather information and insight in connection with the risk of sexual harassment occurring and the steps that could be taken to overcome the same, including producing a recommendations report at the conclusion of the exercise
• Bespoke training sessions introducing the organisational culture and explaining associated expectations for employees and managers, either in-person or online
• Bespoke training session for employee ‘Champions’, either in-person or online, to upskill key members of your team to create a safe space for employees to disclose concerns, to know how to respond in the moment, to provide advice and support in connection with resolution and to support organisationally with keeping an open dialogue and a high level of awareness
• Facilitating ‘Lessons Learned’ sessions once a sexual harassment complaint has concluded or been resolved
• Employment Tribunal Insurance – click here to learn more

Please get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements.