This interactive masterclass will support participants with the legal knowledge, practical tools and confidence to proactively prevent sexual harassment, respond appropriately to concerns, and foster a respectful, safe and inclusive workplace culture.
It reflects the significant shift in UK law from reactive handling to active prevention, tightening employer accountability and increasing legal and reputational risk for inaction.
By the end of this masterclass, participants will feel they are confident and able to take the appropriate practical steps, with the evolving employment landscape. The legal and cultural expectations on employers to prevent sexual harassment have changed fundamentally.
This masterclass supports participants to understand their responsibilities under the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, now in force, which places a proactive duty on employers to take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment before it happens. It also prepares organisations for the further strengthening of the law under the Employment Rights Act 2025, including new whistleblowing protections for sexual harassment from April 2026 and the shift to a higher standard of “all reasonable steps” from October 2026. These changes significantly increase employer accountability, including reputational risk and potential financial penalties for non compliance.
Moving beyond legal theory, the masterclass focuses on practical implementation within real workplace settings. Participants will explore how sexual harassment can manifest, including third party harassment from suppliers, contractors and visitors, and how leadership behaviours and workplace culture directly influence risk. Through discussion and practical examples, attendees will learn how to identify early warning signs, put effective preventative measures in place, and respond confidently and appropriately to concerns and disclosures. Designed for senior leaders, managers and HR professionals, this session equips participants with the tools to embed a respectful, inclusive culture that meets statutory requirements, protects individuals, and demonstrates clear organisational commitment to dignity, trust and accountability
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this masterclass, participants will be able to:
Understand the legal duties placed on employers by the Worker Protection Act 2023 and the Employment Rights Act 2025.
Explain introduction of Whistleblowing Protections for sexual harassment and the shift from “reasonable steps” to “all reasonable steps” in preventing sexual harassment.
Recognise different forms of sexual harassment, including third party harassment (suppliers, contractors, visitors).
Identify early warning signs of inappropriate behaviour and cultural risk.
Implement proactive, preventative measures to reduce harassment risk.
Respond appropriately and confidently to disclosures and complaints.
Understand the consequences of non compliance.
Promote a culture of respect, accountability and inclusive behaviours.
Evaluate current workplace practices and identify practical improvements.
Apply learning to real world scenarios and leadership decision.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Headteachers, Assistant Heads, Deputy Heads, School Business Managers, members of the Senior Leadership Team, team leaders and HR staff.
FACILITATOR
Veronica Fox is a highly regarded HR consultant at Eclipse HR with extensive experience supporting organisations within the education sector, and over 30 years in the HR profession. She specialises in providing practical, commercially focused HR advice and people management solutions to schools, academies, multi academy trusts and education focused organisations, alongside a broader portfolio of clients across the public and private sectors. Veronica works closely with senior leadership teams offering strategic and operational HR support that reflects the unique regulatory, cultural and safeguarding requirements of education environments. With a strong emphasis on compliance, risk management and positive employee engagement.
Veronica is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. She is also currently a Trust Member at a MAT.
