Sexual Harassment Resources & Training

On the 26^th October 2024 the law is changing, and all employers will need to take proactive steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

Any employers who fail to take proactive steps to prevent sexual harassment will find it very difficult to defend a claim for sexual harassment and if unsuccessful with a defence will have to pay up to an additional 25% in compensation.

Aside from the legal risk there is also the moral obligation to provide a safe and secure work environment for all employees.

In order to meet the requirements of the new law, employers will need to analyse the risk and decide what is reasonable in the circumstances of their business. Whilst the steps required are not set out in law, we have considered the requirement and from our experience would advise that all employers take these the minimum steps:

1. Complete a risk assessment for the workplace. This could be for the whole organisation or for each department or area of the business, depending on the size and type of work undertaken.

2. Implement a sexual harassment policy and procedure for reporting.

3. Train managers. Managers should be trained to understand what sexual harassment is and how they should deal with issues when they arise. Managers should also understand their role in creating the culture and preventing sexual harassment from arising.

4. Train employees. All employees should be provided with an understanding of the law and what sexual harassment is. They should also understand how to report it and what will happen if they report sexual harassment.

5. Revisit and review. Employers need to revisit and review the training, risks and paperwork at regular intervals.

6. Keep records. Employers should keep records of the steps that they have taken, including confirmation of employees who have received a copy of the sexual harassment policy and training records.

Sexual Harassment Prevention Documents

If you are finding it difficult or time consuming to get to grips with the necessary paperwork, then you can download the following documents as part of our DIY kit for £100 plus VAT.

• Sexual harassment risk assessment – organisation wide
• Sexual Harassment Policy Template & Guidance notes
• Sexual Harassment Investigation flow chart
• Notice for employer to issue to all staff
• Training record
• Timetable for annual review
• Investigation guidance for managers

You can purchase them here: https://realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk/product/sexual-harassment-prevention-documents-for-employers-2/

Alternatively, if you would like us to prepare the documents for you and advise you on the content we can do so for a fixed fee of £300 plus VAT.

Sexual Harassment Training

We have put together training for both managers and employees to cover all of the key points in an engaging and interesting way.

We have the following options available:

1. In person training for managers – ½ day in person for up to 20 people – £1500 plus VAT  (venue to be arranged by you)

2. In person training for managers – 1 day in person for up to 20 people – £2000 plus VAT (venue to be arranged by you)

3. Interactive online training for managers – ½ day for up to 20 people – £1000 plus VAT

4. Webinar training for managers – live lecture based (limited interaction) – 90 minutes for up to 50 people – £500 plus VAT

5. DIY training for individual employees – understanding what sexual harassment is and responsibilities – complete online at a time convenient for them – £15 per person  (bulk rate available for 100+ employees)

Certificates would be provided for all attendees as proof of training.

In addition, we will be arranging online public webinar training sessions at £75 plus VAT per person. These will be taking place on the:

8^th November at 10am

11^th November at 10am

20^th November at 10am.

If you would like to register for a place on the public training or discuss some in-house training for your organisation, please email me on alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or telephone the office on 01983 897003.