respondIng to sexual harrassment Complaints – Training – UNderstanding Investigation process

Sexual Harassment – Responding to Complaints – Essential training guidance, support for those who may have to respond to initial complaints about Sexual Harassment at Work. This training also explores the general investigation process and potential outcomes, in doing so it enables attendees to answer questions posed to them in a more informed way.

The training highlights, in the event of incident, why an appropriate response coupled with high quality follow-on investigation is of paramount importance and what they look like.

The Worker Protection Act 2023 introduces a specific requirement for employers to take positive action to prevent the sexual harassment of employees at work. Whilst many organisations will have confidential reporting routes, it is probable that the majority of concerns will be raised via line managers. It is imperative that line managers understand how to respond appropriately. An insensitive or disinterested response presents a very real risk escalation to tribunal for a breach of the Worker Protection Act and/or discrimination.

For Whom?

This course is suitable for leaders managers and HR teams at all levels, from supervisors to Directors and Governors, in all companies and organisations. It is essential training for anyone who may have sexual harassment concerns reported to them.

We offer more detailed and specific training for those tasked with investigating sexual harassment . It is essential that every complaint and incident is recorded and thoroughly this demands investigations be carried out by trained investigators.

This training session is scalable from one to three hours dependant dependant on attendees’ current experience levels and how the course sits within wider training programmes.

For example when managers have attended staff training on the Worker Protection Act, Sexual Harassment at Work and How to Report it we can omit coverage of these elements and focus purely on the response element.

Content

The Worker Protection Act and the Duty it places on employers
Sexual Harassment – Definitions and Description
What constitutes sexual harassment?
The harm it causes and why it needs to be eradicated
Actions to take if experienced/witnesses/suspected
- Addressing banter and preventing offence
- Removing threats
- Escalating or investigating – making high quality decisions
- Ensuring your response is balanced, robust and effective

How to respond if you are notified of actual or suspected sexual harassment
- Initial responses and appropriate approach
  - Victims, witnesses, accused
  - Removing threats
  - Providing support
- Investigating, recording and evidencing
  - Matching approach to situation and those involved
  - The importance of adhering to company policy and procedures

The importance of defensible documents

Disciplinary Process – hints and tips
- Including suspension and dismissal guidance
Safeguarding and External Reporting
Preventing repetition
- Disciplinary action – options
- Updating risk assessments
- Updating systems procedures and policies
Data Protection, The Press and External Media
Sources of further advice, help and supportt

Preventing Sexual Harassment at Work Reference Guides

Concrew Training provide practical support and training, to help employers meet the demands of the Worker Protection Act and Prevent Sexual Harassment at Work. These free of charge reference papers are designed to help you get your basic process right.

What does taking all reasonable, steps to prevent sexual harassment at work, mean?

The Employment Rights Act requires take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace and to prevent harassment of employees by third parties on the basis of any of the protected characteristics. This document explores what this means in terms of sexual harassment. It is transferable to all the protected characteristics

10 Steps to Prevent Sexual Harassment at Work

Employers have a duty to take proactive action to prevent the sexual harassment of their employers at work. What should you be doing – this guidance document explains the 10 key steps.

Parties and Celebrations – Reducing Sexual Harassment Risk – 10 Tips

Parties and Celebrations, especially when they involve alcohol are high risk areas in terms of sexual harassment and abuse. Even if the event is not work organised the employer could still be at risk of litigation. Employers need to follow these 10 points

Beyond Banter – When does banter become bullying and harassment?

The grey line between workplace banter and harassment is easily overstepped. This guide provides 10 easy to follow steps to help the whole workforce get it right. It also contains case law to help contextualise and understand the risks.

Dealing with Bulling and Harassment – hints and tips for the abused.

When you are being bullied, harassed or abused at work it is difficult to know what to do and where to turn for help. Identifying that there is a problem and its impact on you is the first step. There are several solutions you may wish to consider. This easy to read document is for anyone who is being abused at work.

Sexual Harassment Investigations – guidance on sanctions, escalation and formal reporting

Sexual Harassment at Work – Guidance on investigation outcome options, sanctions and escalation. Including reporting to police & official bodies such as CQC and DBS.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about this Training

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to contact our support team.

Why should you use Concrew Training?

Specialist HR, Employment Law & Compliance training provider
We reference to official Government bodies such as ACAS, ICO, EHRC
Content tailored to your policies and procedures
CPD certificates included
12 months of post-course support
UK-wide delivery
Online and face-to-face options
Open and transparent pricing

What information is available on course content?

We publish detailed course overviews for all courses. These provide indicative content based on the course learning plans. Final content is tailored to each client’s individual requirements.

What other information is available on individual courses?

Free reference guides and resources to help employers evaluate training quality and improve workplace compliance

Downloadable resources available via our website
Customer feedback and testimonials published on our website

Can you include our company policies and procedures in the training?

Yes. We actively encourage this approach. Including your policies and procedures helps demonstrate how, where, and why good practice applies within your organisation. This contextualises the learning, improves engagement, and increases the practical value of the training. There is no additional charge for incorporating your policies and procedures.

How long doES This course last?

This course is scalable from 1 to 3 hours. 1 hour allows us to explain how to respond to sexual harassment complaints. Longer sessions enable us to explore what sexual harassment looks and feels like and explain how to identify when banter becomes harassment. We do not recommend any investigation be carried out unilaterally.
This course can be extended to a full-day or multi-day programme

How many people can attend each course?

Online courses: up to 15 participants
Face-to-face courses: up to 20 participants
Whole workforce awareness sessions: available for larger groups

Where does Concrew Training deliver training?

Online: via your preferred video conferencing platform (Zoom, Teams, etc.) across the UK
Face-to-face: on your premises in England, Scotland, and Wales

How much does your training cost?

Typical prices range from £800 to £2,000 excluding VAT. Final cost depends on course duration, location, number of participants, and payment terms.

Full pricing details available on our website
No hidden charges
Formal quotations remain valid for 30 days

What are your courses like?

Our courses are delivered as interactive workshops rather than traditional lectures, and typically include:

Subject specialist input
Interactive quizzes
Group discussions
Practical exercises
Real-world case studies

We incorporate your organisation’s policies and procedures wherever possible to ensure the learning is relevant, engaging, and immediately applicable.

Who delivers the training?

Training is delivered by experienced subject specialists with extensive knowledge in their field. Our trainers:

Have significant practical experience
Can answer most participant questions during the session
Provide follow-up responses for complex questions
Are skilled facilitators who make technical subjects engaging

Do you issue CPD certificates?

Yes. All participants receive a CPD certificate detailing learning hours completed and headline course content.

Who uses your training services?

We work with organisations of all sizes, including:

Large international organisations
Public sector employers
Charities and not-for-profits
SMEs and local businesses

Attendees commonly include directors, senior leaders, HR professionals, operational managers, line managers, employee representatives, and staff teams. Customer feedback and testimonials are available on our website.

Why should I book a Concrew Training course?

Our training is:

Delivered live by subject specialists
Designed for real-world application
Suitable for teams of up to 20 participants
Available face-to-face in England, Scotland, and Wales
Available online across the UK
Practical, engaging, and immediately applicable
High-quality and competitively priced

Suitable for directors, senior leaders, HR teams, operational managers, line managers, staff teams, and employee representatives.

How far in advance should we book training?

We recommend booking training 2–3 months in advance. Availability is generally good with a three-month lead time. Dates are only reserved once a booking is confirmed. Short-term bookings may be limited.

How do I book a course?

Complete our quote request form
Receive a formal quotation and provide any delivery details
Confirm your booking
Receive a formal Delivery Confirmation and “What Happens Next” guidance

Is there anything else I will need to do?

For online courses

Schedule the event on your video conferencing platform
Share joining details with attendees
Provide the trainer profile and course overview

For face-to-face courses

Book the room/venue and required equipment
Share trainer details and course overview with attendees
Print and provide handouts to the trainer prior to the session

After the course

Distribute post-course handouts and CPD certificates

How does your 12-month post-course support service work?

Email us with any training-related questions that arise following the course. We provide guidance and support relating to the training content covered.

Note: This service is not a substitute for legal advice.

What happens if I have more questions?

We’re here to help. You can contact us at any stage before, during, or after your training programme, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.