All employers in the UK have a legal obligation to prevent sexual harassment and victimisation of staff in the workplace. Employers in England, Wales and Scotland have an extra legal obligation to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment (including by third parties). This policy helps you fulfill both obligations.

It's drafted in line with the recommendations and guidance of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), applies to all paid staff in your business. It sets out:

• Information about the policy, including who it's for, its purpose and scope, and how it'll be communicated and implemented
• A policy statement from senior staff
• What sexual harassment (and victimisation) is
• Information about the training staff will receive
• Staff and manager obligations
• How to report breaches (including both informal and formal procedures for resolving complaints)
• The kind of support you may be able to offer
• How you'll monitor sexual harassment and victimisation in the workplace
• The consequences of breaching the policy

We've also included a separate section with practical advice about how to use the policy and meet your obligations - this isn't part of the policy and is for you to keep separately and refer back to.

Although this policy is not strictly necessary for employers in Northern Ireland, it's good practice to apply it anyway as part of your general duty to protect staff.