Prevention of workplace harassment

Build a respectful workplace and understand rights, duties and procedures under UK law.

Every employer in the UK has duties under the Equality Act 2010, including a duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment. This programme explains what harassment looks like, how the law applies, and how employees, managers and committees should respond. Sessions are adapted for staff, managers or committee members.

Who it is for: All employees, managers, HR teams and investigation panel members.

Duration: 1–3 days. Group size: up to 25. Format: on-site, virtual or blended, across the UK and online.

What it covers

• What harassment is
• The legal framework in the UK
• Bystander action
• Reporting and investigation procedures

Outcomes

• Staff understand clearly what acceptable and unacceptable behaviour at work looks like.
• People feel confident to act, support colleagues and report concerns through the right channels.
• Managers and staff understand how complaints are handled and how the investigation process works.

Modules

• Understanding harassment: Definitions and examples, Impact on people, Power and silence
• The law in the UK: The Equality Act 2010, Employer duties, Codes of conduct
• Responding well: Bystander action, Supporting colleagues, Manager responsibilities
• Procedures: Informal and formal routes, Investigation panels, Confidentiality and fairness

Tools and takeaways

• Behaviour scenarios
• Code of conduct summary
• Bystander action steps
• Reporting flowchart
• Committee checklist

Contact OPDEV · ask@opdevinternational.co.uk · London, UK