Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Work for Employees
Know your rights and responsibilities. Learn to recognise harassment, understand how to report it safely, and support colleagues who experience inappropriate behaviour.
Duration
1 Hour
Lessons
9
CPD Hours
1
Certificate
On Completion
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Six practical outcomes from this training
Understand what sexual harassment is, including unwanted conduct of a sexual nature and conduct based on sex that creates a hostile environment
Recognise the various forms of sexual harassment in the workplace, from overt behaviour to more subtle patterns of discrimination
Know your legal rights under the Worker Protection Act and the Equality Act, and understand what your employer is required to do
Know how to report harassment safely and understand the different channels available for raising concerns
Understand bystander intervention and recognise what you can do to support colleagues experiencing harassment
Learn from real-life workplace scenarios and understand how to apply this training to your specific working environment
About this training
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue that affects employee wellbeing, productivity, and trust. The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act strengthens protections for employees and creates a legal duty for employers to prevent harassment and respond to complaints.
This training is designed for all employees and workers. It covers what constitutes sexual harassment, your rights under the law, and what to do if you experience or witness inappropriate behaviour. Understanding your rights and responsibilities helps create a workplace culture where harassment is not tolerated.
Using real-life scenarios, the course demonstrates how to recognise harassment, understand professional boundaries, and report concerns through appropriate channels. It also covers bystander intervention and what you can do to support colleagues.
Key topics
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1
What is sexual harassment
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2
Identifying forms of sexual harassment
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3
The legal framework and your rights
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4
Hostile environments
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5
Recognising inappropriate behaviour
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6
Professional boundaries
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7
Reporting and raising concerns
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8
Bystander intervention
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9
Real-life workplace scenarios
What learners say
“Clear and practical. The course helped me understand what harassment is and what I should do if it happens. The scenarios made it relevant to my workplace.”
Frequently asked questions
You have the right to work free from sexual harassment under the Equality Act 2010 and the Worker Protection Act 2024. Your employer must take active steps to prevent harassment. If harassment occurs, your employer must respond promptly and investigate fairly. You are protected from retaliation if you report harassment or support a colleague who has. You can bring a claim to an employment tribunal if your employer fails to act.
Yes. Sexual harassment includes unwanted conduct of a sexual nature and also behaviour that creates a hostile working environment based on sex or sexual orientation. Subtle behaviour counts: dismissive comments, exclusion, isolation, or repeated unwanted attention. What matters is the effect on you, not the intention of the person doing it. This training helps you recognise the full spectrum of behaviour that crosses professional boundaries.
Your organisation should have clear reporting channels: HR, a designated contact, or a manager. Report what happened, when, who was involved, and any witnesses. Keep records. Your employer must handle your report confidentially and investigate within a reasonable time. You should be kept informed of progress. The investigation should establish facts fairly and lead to appropriate action. This training covers what fair investigation looks like and what you should expect.
Yes. You are protected by law from retaliation or victimisation for reporting harassment or supporting a colleague. Your employer cannot dismiss you, demote you, treat you unfavourably, or create a hostile environment because you made a complaint or participated in an investigation. If retaliation occurs, that is a breach of the Equality Act and can be challenged in an employment tribunal. This is one of your strongest legal protections.
Bystander intervention means stepping in safely when you witness inappropriate behaviour. You can support the person affected, challenge the behaviour if safe, or report what you saw. You are protected from retaliation for supporting a colleague. Creating a workplace where bystanders actively intervene is one of the most effective ways to prevent harassment and build a respectful culture. This training covers practical strategies for safe and effective intervention.
It is natural to feel anxious about reporting. Remember you are protected by law from retaliation. Speak to HR, your line manager, a trusted colleague, or your employee assistance program if available. Many organisations also have external counselling support. You can also speak to an employment law adviser if you want to understand your options before reporting. This training covers your legal protections and practical steps to take.
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Briefed offers advisory, audit, and policy services alongside training. If your organisation needs support beyond eLearning, we can help.