Business Sexual Harassment Training for Managers: Are You Ready for the New Legal Duty?

Sexual harassment training for managers is designed to help you manage one of the trickiest areas of running your business. As a business owner, it is now your legal duty to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. So, here’s a question for you: If one of your team came to you tomorrow and said they felt uncomfortable at work… would you know exactly how to respond?

Not in theory. Not “I’d have a quiet word.”
But confidently. Lawfully. Consistently.

Managers want a respectful workplace. They don’t tolerate obvious misconduct. But sexual harassment in the workplace rarely begins with something overt. It begins in the grey areas. This is where sexual harassment training for managers can be invaluable, especially now that you have a legal responsibility for it. Additionally, you have to be able to prove you have taken reasonable steps to prevent it. Training is an excellent way not only to tick that box, but to arm your managers with the tools they need to protect your staff and your business.

Scenario 1: “Just Banter”

A senior team member regularly comments on a colleague’s appearance in meetings. It’s framed as humour. The colleague laughs along, but later tells you they feel embarrassed and singled out.

• Is it harassment if they didn’t object at the time?
• Should you wait for a formal complaint?
• What action should you take now?

Sexual Harassment Training for Managers is designed to directly address such scenarios.

Scenario 2: The Client Relationship

At a networking event, a client makes repeated personal comments towards one of your employees. They brush it off, but later say they don’t want to attend events where that client will be present.

• Who is responsible? You or the client?
• Do you risk the commercial relationship?
• What preventative steps should already be in place?

Sexual Harassment Training for Managers is designed to directly address such scenarios.

Scenario 3: The Team WhatsApp Group

A sexually explicit meme is shared in a private team chat. One employee feels uncomfortable but doesn’t want to be seen as overreacting.

• It wasn’t during working hours.
• It wasn’t on company systems.
• Does it still fall under employer responsibility?

These situations are difficult precisely because they aren’t clear-cut. But handled poorly, they can escalate quickly, affecting morale, culture, and reputation, and potentially leading to costly tribunal claims.

Sexual Harassment Training for Managers is designed to directly address such scenarios!

The Legal Duty Has Changed

Under new government regulations, employers now have a proactive duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment.

It is no longer enough to respond when a complaint is made. Prevention must be embedded in leadership behaviour, policies and workplace culture.

That means managers need to understand:

• How to spot early warning signs
• How to intervene appropriately
• How to document concerns correctly
• How to create a culture where issues are raised early

Good intentions are not a defence. Demonstrable action is.

Sexual Harassment Training for Managers

Our upcoming training session focuses on real-world scenarios, practical frameworks and clear guidance. It is designed specifically for managers, HR professionals and business owners who want to meet their legal obligations and build a respectful workplace.

This programme helps participants to:

• Understand the law and their role.
• Recognise Patterns and third-party risks.
• Prevent sexual harassment with the right risk assessments, policies and communication tools.
• Respond confidently and appropriately in real-world situations
• Confidently train and support teams in line with employment legislation and EHRC 8 steps.

Who it’s for:

Managers, team leaders, small business owners and those responsible for HR.

What makes this training different:

• Realistic scenarios based on modern workplaces
• Practical language people can actually use
• A safe, non-judgmental environment for discussion
• You will save time and start to create your templates and documents on the day.

Sexual Harassment Training for Managers open course:

When: Tuesday 24th March
Time: 9 am to 1.30 pm
Where: The View Hotel, Grand Parade, Eastbourne. BN21 4DN
Price: £285 plus VAT per delegate and includes breakfast, lunch, all the course materials and the opportunity to network with your peers.

Free parking is available on the seafront opposite and directly outside the hotel.

This isn’t about creating fear; it’s about building confidence. If you lead people, you need clarity before an issue lands on your desk.

Book your place today to ensure your business is taking demonstrably proactive steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Places are limited to ensure meaningful discussion and practical application.

Coming next: Sexual Harassment Training for Managers – in-house training for companies with multiple people responsible for managing teams, and Sexual Harassment Training for Staff, both in-house and open courses.

Keep an eye on our website and follow us on our socials for more practical training to come!