Preventing Sexual Harassment-Guidance

The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 kicked in on October 26, 2024, and it's all about making sure employers actively prevent sexual harassment at work. This means businesses have to take action to create a safe space for everyone.

New Guidance from the EHRC

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has updated its guidance to help employers get a grip on their responsibilities. This document lays out what needs to be done to stop harassment and how to deal with it if it happens. You can find the guidance on the EHRC website [Sexual Harassment and Harassment at Work: Technical Guidance], and it's geared towards helping both employers and legal folks.

Key Points of the Guidance

·   It spells out what harassment is, with examples, and how it ties into protected characteristics like gender and race.

·   It breaks down victimisation and what employers need to do under the law.

·   It stresses the legal duty to prevent harassment, including third-party harassment and stuff happening outside the workplace.

What Employers Should Do

Employers need to be on the ball about preventing harassment. Here are some practical steps from the EHRC:

·   Make a solid anti-harassment policy: Ensure your policy covers third-party harassment and that everyone knows about it.

·   Do regular risk assessments: Spot areas where harassment might occur and set up measures to prevent it.

·   Stay connected with your team: Chat with employees regularly, do surveys, and hold exit interviews to catch any potential issues.

How Alive can help

We offer various documents, like a sexual harassment policy and sample risk assessments, to help employers smoothly navigate new employment laws. These resources will help you stay compliant and promote a safe, respectful workplace.

We provide comprehensive training for your staff on "Respect in the Workplace" and special sessions for managers on handling sexual harassment complaints and conducting risk assessments, titled “Sexual Harassment Awareness for Managers”. Plus, we can help review how effective the training has been.

Training

Respect in the Workplace Workshop (90 minutes)

This workshop helps employees get why respect, inclusivity, and a positive workplace culture are important through interactive talks and case studies.

Key topics include:

·   Defining respect and its impact on workplace dynamics

·   Recognising and addressing disrespectful behaviour

·   Encouraging inclusivity and collaboration

·   Strategies for fostering a supportive team environment

Sexual Harassment Awareness for Managers Workshop (2 hours)

This session gives managers the know-how to prevent and tackle sexual harassment at work, focusing on legal duties and effective response strategies.

Key topics include:

·   Understanding sexual harassment: definitions and examples

·   Legal responsibilities and compliance

·   How to handle complaints sensitively and professionally

·   Creating a safe and harassment-free workplace environment

Enforcement

The EHRC can take action against employers who don't meet their legal obligations, including boosting compensation in sexual harassment cases.

Just knowing about the new legislation isn't enough; action is needed!

📢 If you need advice, reach out to our team at 01935 411191 or email enquiries@alivehr.co.uk for a free initial consultation call. 📢