Worker Protection: Navigating Sexual Harassment Prevention using the 2024 Amendments of the Equality Act 2010 Training Course

Who Would Benefit

This comprehensive course will benefit all HR professionals, managers, leaders and employees within an organisation. It is beneficial for everyone to understand the laws in place to protect people from sexual harassment and the changes to the legislation coming into effect. Specifically, HR professionals will need to understand how to update policies and training in line with the new law; Managers and leaders will need to ensure a safe environment is upheld amongst their teams by understanding the laws and employees will understand their rights available and who they are supported by.

Course Description

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the new sexual harassment laws set to come into effect in the UK in October 2024 under “Worker Protection (Amendments of Equality Act 2010)” Act 2023. Designed for HR professionals, managers and employees, it aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and implement these legal changes effectively within their organisations. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal definitions, obligations, and the mechanisms established to prevent and address sexual harassment in the workplace.

CPD Points: 6
Training Course category: Leadership and Management
Training Location: To be determined by the client
Training Duration: 1 day

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Understand the key components and implications of the new sexual harassment laws.
Recognise behaviours that constitute sexual harassment under the revised legal framework.
Implement effective policies and procedures to prevent and address incidents of sexual harassment.
Advise, train and support colleagues on their rights and responsibilities under the new legislation.
Foster a workplace culture of respect and safety.

The Programme Includes:

Part 1: Understanding the law and legislative changes

Introduction to the New Legislation changes:

Definition: What is sexual harassment?
Who does the legislation apply to?
Overview of the legislative changes and their objectives.
Comparison with previous laws and the rationale for updates.

Legal Definitions and Framework:

Detailed examination of what constitutes sexual harassment.
Understanding the scope and application of the law in various workplace settings.
Where can sexual harassment occur?

Part 2: The role of the Leaders: Educate, Prevent and Act

Employer and Employee Responsibilities:

Recognising sexual harassment
Legal obligations of employers to prevent and address harassment.
Rights and responsibilities of employees under the new laws.

Policy Development, Training and Implementation:

Guidelines for creating and updating workplace policies.
Strategies for effective implementation and communication of policies.
Training employees to recognise and report sexual harassment, as a witness or a victim

Handling Complaints and Investigations:

Best practices for receiving, investigating, escalating and resolving complaints.
Ensuring confidentiality and fairness in the process.

Part 3: Practical examples and workplace culture

Creating a Respectful Workplace Culture:

Training and initiatives to foster inclusion and respect and embedding this into the workplace culture.
Encouraging bystander intervention and peer support.

Case Studies and Practical Application:

Analysis of real-world scenarios, case studies and legal cases.
Interactive workshops to apply learning in practical settings:

Example #1: Offensive Language / humour / questions

Example #2: Offensive Behaviour / touching / assault

Example #3: Offensive imagery

Example #4: Inside/outside the workplace