Preventing sexual harassment training: preparing for enhanced employer duties

Preventing sexual harassment: implementing the new employer duties in practice, join our webinar this November.

The legal landscape surrounding workplace sexual harassment is changing significantly. Following the introduction of the preventative duty in 2024, employers will be required from 30 October 2026 to take "all reasonable steps" to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. New provisions will also increase employer exposure to claims arising from harassment by customers, clients, contractors and other third parties.

However, understanding the law is only part of the challenge. The key question for employers is:

What practical steps do we need to take, and how can we demonstrate compliance if challenged by a regulator, tribunal or claimant?

This practical workshop led by experienced employment lawyer and workplace investigator Avril England, will move beyond the legislation and focus on the actions organisations should be taking now to strengthen prevention measures, respond effectively to complaints and evidence compliance.

What we’ll cover

Building a defensible prevention strategy

• What the move from "reasonable steps" to "all reasonable steps" means in practice.
• The EHRC's expectations of employers and how the duty is likely to be assessed.
• Identifying high-risk areas within your organisation.
• Conducting and documenting meaningful sexual harassment risk assessments.

Policies, training and workplace culture

• What regulators and tribunals expect to see beyond a written policy.
• How often training should be delivered and to whom.
• The role of senior leaders and managers in creating a preventative culture.
• Common compliance gaps employers continue to overlook.

Third-party harassment: the new risk area

• Managing risks arising from customers, clients, suppliers and service users.
• Practical measures to reduce exposure in public-facing environments.
• Responding appropriately when concerns involve third parties.

Evidence, enforcement and tribunal scrutiny

• Demonstrating compliance if challenged.
• The documentation employers should retain.
• Lessons from real workplace scenarios.
• Avoiding the mistakes that can increase legal, financial and reputational risk.

Why attend?

This session is designed to help employers move beyond compliance awareness and into practical implementation.
Attendees will leave with:

• A clearer understanding of what "all reasonable steps" means in practice.
• A framework for reviewing existing sexual harassment prevention measures.
• Insight into how to evidence compliance.
• Practical actions that can be implemented immediately.
• Greater confidence in managing allegations and reducing organisational risk.

Whether your organisation is starting its compliance journey or reviewing existing arrangements, this workshop will provide practical guidance to help build a safer workplace and prepare for the enhanced legal duties now in force.