Essential guidance, support and training on good practice when responding to and investigating, complaints and concerns about Sexual Harassment at Work.

Essential guidance, support and training on good practice when responding to and investigating, complaints and concerns about Sexual Harassment at Work. This training session is scalable from one to three hours. It 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 course can be further extended to 6 hours to provide comprehensive CPD for HR professionals

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 and managers at all levels and in all companies/organisations.  Scalable from one to three hours It can be delivered live, via video conferencing or face to face in at your premises. 

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 support