Managers guide to reducing workplace sexual harassment
Our managers guide to reducing workplace sexual harassment equips you with a structured framework for effective use.
- 3 pages / 902 words.
- Last updated 08/03/2025.
- Designed for United Kingdom use.
- Suitable for use in other territories; check local laws first.
- Instantly download as Word / PDF / plain text, or send by email.
- Includes 12 months’ access, with all updates to this page provided free of charge and notified to you.
Managers guide to reducing workplace sexual harassment
Introduction
As of 26 October 2024, the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 requires employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent workplace sexual harassment. Managers play a critical role in fulfilling this duty, helping create a safe, respectful environment that supports every employee’s well-being and productivity.
1. Understand and Communicate the Policy
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Familiarise Yourself with the Policy
Ensure you understand your organisation’s anti-harassment policy, including the definitions of harassment and the complaint procedures. Review it periodically to stay up to date with any amendments. -
Clearly Communicate Expectations
Make it clear to your team that harassment of any kind is unacceptable. Reinforce this message in team meetings, one-on-ones, and onboarding sessions for new hires. A respectful and harassment-free workplace should be central to your team’s values.
2. Set a Zero-Tolerance Culture
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Model Respectful Behaviour
Lead by example. Show that respectful behaviour is the norm by treating everyone—staff, clients, and customers—with dignity. By modelling respect, you set a standard for others to follow. -
Encourage Open Communication
Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable discussing issues or concerns. Assure your team that they can speak up without fear of retaliation, and provide a safe space for feedback on workplace culture.
3. Implement Proactive Training and Awareness
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Conduct Regular Training
Ensure that all team members, including temporary and contract workers, complete mandatory anti-harassment training. Training should be engaging and tailored to the team’s specific work environment, ensuring everyone understands acceptable behaviour and reporting protocols. -
Personalise Training for Your Team
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The Guide to Reducing Workplace Sexual Harassment for Managers offers managers essential strategies and best practices to prevent and address harassment in the workplace. It provides practical steps to foster a respectful culture, reinforce zero-tolerance policies, and ensure staff feel safe reporting concerns without fear of retaliation.
By following this guide, managers can better understand their role in creating a harassment-free environment, responding effectively to issues, and supporting victims. It emphasises proactive engagement, including training, clear communication, and prompt action, to uphold a safe and inclusive workplace.
Flowchart
Flowchart
Check which resources should be implemeted before and/or after the Managers guide to reducing workplace sexual harassment, to understand the workflow.
Workplace sexual harassment prevention policy
Our Workplace Harassment Prevention policy ensures a respectful, secure work environment by defining unacceptable behaviours and the actions to address them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use this template in my small business?
Yes. The Managers guide to reducing workplace sexual harassment is designed to be flexible and suitable for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses and charities. It follows UK employment law best practice, so even if you don't have an in-house HR team, you can confidently apply it.
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Is this template compliant with 2025 UK employment law?
Absolutely. All of our templates are drafted with the latest ACAS guidance and UK employment legislation in mind. We review and update them regularly, so you can be confident they remain compliant.
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Can I customise it for my organisation?
Yes, we highlight the areas that you need to update with your own details, and where you need to make decisions to suit your situation. This saves you time and ensures that you meet best practice.
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Do I get instant access?
Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download it instantly. Templates are provided in editable Word or Excel format so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.
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What if I need more help, not just this template?
If you're looking for broader support, we also offer toolkits and library bundles that include this template, along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need deeper advice.
