Sexual harassment is more common than many people realise. A 2025 survey of 2,000 employees in Wales found that almost half of all respondents had experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. Concerningly, 13% said they had no formal sexual harassment policy or that they were not aware of one. More than a third said they had not received training on identifying or reporting it.
More recently, Acas reported that 41% of employers surveyed were unaware of the changes to sexual harassment prevention duties taking effect on 30 October 2026. The YouGov poll involved 1,050 senior decision-makers in Great Britain.
This makes a sexual harassment awareness programme important not just for employees, but also for managers and senior leadership who put policies and reporting procedures in place.
Awareness training can support steps to prevent sexual harassment at work by helping employees, managers and other stakeholders understand what is considered sexual harassment, what unwanted sexual behaviour looks like and how to raise concerns following organisational policies and procedures.
Are You Aware of Your Responsibilities?
Sexual harassment at work is prohibited in Great Britain under the Equality Act 2010.
Effective from 26 October 2024, the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 introduced a new duty for employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, including sexual harassment by third parties.
The Employment Rights Act 2025 further strengthens this duty. From 30 October 2026, employers must take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment at work. It also introduces employer liability for sexual harassment of employees by third parties such as contractors, customers and clients where the employer fails to take all reasonable steps to prevent it.
These protections apply in the course of employment, including in work-related situations beyond the employer’s premises.
To fulfil these duties, employers should:
- Assess sexual harassment risks and put effective preventive measures in place
- Address risks involving customers, clients, contractors and other third parties
- Maintain clear sexual harassment policies and communicate expected standards of behaviour
- Provide suitable employee training and additional instruction for managers and those handling complaints
- Provide accessible reporting routes, including an alternative where the usual contact is involved
- Handle reports promptly, fairly and sensitively, following appropriate procedures
- Protect workers from victimisation for making or supporting complaints or giving evidence
- Review policies, training and prevention measures regularly, keeping records of incidents and actions taken
Prevention measures should reflect the organisation’s workplace risks and circumstances.
About This Training
This online sexual harassment awareness training course explains what sexual harassment is, how it occurs and what to do if it is experienced or witnessed. Workplace case studies illustrate unacceptable behaviour, common misconceptions and approaches to prevention.
The course is suitable for employees, new starters, temporary staff and contractors, as well as managers, supervisors and HR personnel. It covers legal responsibilities and the personal and organisational consequences of harassment.
How This Training Helps Your Organisation
This training helps your organisation:
- Improve employee awareness of sexual harassment and its consequences
- Reinforce workplace boundaries and standards of behaviour
- Support prevention by helping staff recognise risks
- Encourage appropriate reporting of concerns
- Promote respectful behaviour and support for colleagues
- Support employer responsibilities as part of a wider prevention approach
