Is your business complying with the new duty to prevent workplace sexual harassment?

Over 6 months ago the new duty on employers to prevent workplace sexual harassment came into force. As we have explained in our previous e-briefs (click here), this duty requires employers to be more proactive (rather than reactive) and take steps to prevent sexual harassment from arising in the workplace. Failing to comply with this duty can expose employers to more costly discrimination claims.

In order to fulfil this duty, employers are expected (at the very least) to ensure that they have in place dynamic risk assessments and that their staff are trained to understand what sexual harassment is, how the business will prevent and deal with instances of sexual harassment, and what role they play in preventing it from happening.

We have supported numerous businesses in various sectors by preparing risk assessments and delivering bespoke in-person training for their Directors, senior leaders and line managers.

Our practical bespoke training covers the following:

• What is sexual harassment, with sector specific examples.
• The role of the business in preventing sexual harassment.
• The role employees play in preventing sexual harassment.
• How to deal with workplace banter.
• An overview of liability, including the potential for individual liability for employees.
• We also facilitate a discussion to identify risk areas in your business and reasonable preventative measures that can be put in place which can help with the drafting of your risk assessments.

Client feedback from an Equality, Diversity and Sexual Harassment training course delivered by Annie in 2025:

“It was a great day, and I found the training to be informative and valuable, not just for myself but also for the team in their roles as managers.”

“I feel the way the session flowed, seamlessly combining Equality & Diversity with Sexual Harassment, was excellent. I also appreciated the balance between addressing such an important topic seriously while keeping the atmosphere light and engaging, I think it really helped maintain focus and participation. The content was clear, well-structured, and not overwhelming, making it easy to absorb and reflect on.”

If you need support with training your staff or preparing risk assessments in order to comply with your legal duties, please get in touch with Employment Partner, Annie Gray at anniegray@schofieldsweeney.co.uk