Sexual Harassment Awareness and Prevention Training
A practical course supporting staff and managers to understand sexual harassment, prevent incidents, respond effectively, and create a safe, respectful workplace.
A practical course supporting staff and managers to understand sexual harassment, prevent incidents, respond effectively, and create a safe, respectful workplace.
This Sexual Harassment Awareness & Prevention Training course supports staff and managers in recognising, preventing and responding to sexual harassment in the workplace. Delegates explore the emotional, psychological and organisational impact of harassment, alongside legal responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and the Worker Protection Act. The course provides practical strategies for creating safer environments, encouraging reporting, supporting victims and addressing unacceptable behaviour. Through interactive discussion, real‑world scenarios and reflective exercises, participants gain the confidence to challenge harassment, uphold dignity and respect, and contribute to a positive workplace culture where all employees feel protected and valued.
Sexual harassment in the workplace remains a significant issue, affecting employees’ wellbeing, engagement and productivity. Equality and Diversity UK offers an in‑depth training programme designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools to address and prevent sexual harassment effectively.
Staff must feel safe, respected and protected at work. Sexual harassment has a serious impact on mental health, morale and retention, often leading to increased absence, reduced productivity and resignation.
Mishandling a complaint can have major legal consequences. Beyond the personal harm caused, organisations risk financial loss, reputational damage and reduced employee engagement.
The UK Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 came into force on 26 October 2024. It introduces a proactive, mandatory duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of their employees at work. This strengthens existing Equality Act protections and places a clear expectation on organisations to demonstrate preventative action.
These scenarios help delegates explore realistic situations where sexual harassment may occur, and consider appropriate responses, interventions and organisational duties.
A manager repeatedly makes inappropriate comments about a colleague’s appearance. The colleague feels uncomfortable but fears reporting it may affect their career.
Discussion prompts:
A team member receives unwanted messages from a colleague outside work hours. The behaviour escalates, affecting their wellbeing and performance.
Discussion prompts:
A bystander witnesses inappropriate behaviour but is unsure whether to intervene or report it, fearing backlash or misunderstanding.
Discussion prompts:
Preventing sexual harassment requires more than policies and procedures; it demands a workplace culture where dignity, respect and psychological safety are actively upheld. Employees must feel confident that concerns will be taken seriously, handled sensitively and addressed promptly. This course encourages delegates to reflect on organisational norms, communication styles and power dynamics that may influence behaviour or discourage reporting. By exploring practical examples and discussing proactive strategies, participants learn how to create environments where inappropriate behaviour is challenged early, victims are supported and leaders model positive conduct. The training emphasises shared responsibility, helping staff recognise their role in fostering a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued and protected.
These modules outline the key learning areas covered throughout the Sexual Harassment Awareness & Prevention Training course.
Definitions, behaviours, impacts and legal frameworks.
Proactive approaches to reducing risk and promoting safety.
Practical tools for safe, effective intervention.
Reporting, investigation and resolution processes.
Opening the conversation
“Thank you for coming to speak with me. I want you to know this is a safe space, and I’m here to listen to anything you want to share.”
Encouraging disclosure
“If someone’s behaviour has made you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or disrespected, you can tell me. You will be heard and taken seriously.”
Validating the experience
“What you’re describing is not your fault. Many people experience similar situations, and you deserve to feel safe at work.”
Explaining next steps
“We will handle this sensitively and confidentially. I can explain your options, including informal support, formal reporting or wellbeing assistance.”
Closing safely
“Thank you for trusting me. We’ll move forward at your pace, and I’m here to support you throughout the process.”
This course aims to:
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
All our courses are tailored to ensure the training reflects your organisation’s goals and priorities.
The course can be delivered face to face or online, via Zoom or Teams.
Please note: the half-day rate is not always available for face-to-face sessions.
Over 25 years' experience delivering equality, diversity and inclusion training, consultancy and professional development.
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