Preventing harassment: a masterclass

Training Session

Harassment is a serious issue for employers.  

It can affect employee mental health, cause conflict between employees, and can have a serious impact on productivity and morale.   

The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduced new laws that all employers need to understand, and further changes are being introduced in October this year.  

Employers will need to make sure their policies are up to date and legally compliant. 

This masterclass brings together Acas experts and leading guest speakers to help you prepare.  

We will explore: 
  • harassment and the law 
  • the differences between bullying and harassment 
  • harassment from third parties 
  • the Employment Rights Act 2025 
  • duty of care and vicarious liability 
  • reporting systems 
  • preventing and addressing harassment 
  • supporting people involved in a harassment complaint

Business Need

Employers have always needed to address harassment to maintain positive working environments and to prevent claims to employment tribunals.  

The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces some extra protections for workers, including: 

  • Sexual harassment has now been added as a specific ‘relevant failure’ under whistleblowing protections
     
  • From October 2026 employers will be required to protect employees from third party harassment
     
  • The duty of prevention of sexual harassment will be increased, so employers must take ‘all reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment

It’s crucial that your policies and internal training are fit for purpose to ensure you’re compliant with the new law.   

Training Suitable for

Those who would benefit from attending this event include: 
  • Line managers, supervisors and team leaders
  • HR professionals
  • Change project managers and teams
  • Business owners
  • Planning and policy leads
  • Operations specialists
  • Trade Union/employee representatives
  • Individuals who wish to further their professional development

Session Outline

 
Harassment, the law and the Employment Rights Act: 
  • What is harassment? 
  • Where can it happen (including 3rd party)
  • How does the ERA change the law relating to harassment
  • Consequences of getting it wrong (EHRC enforcement/tribunal)

Preventing harassment in practice

  • Building a preventative culture
  • What steps would be all reasonable steps
  • Policies, training, and leadership accountability

Handling complaints fairly and supporting those involved

  • Receiving and responding to complaints
  • Supporting all parties with compassion 
  • Impact on mental health
  • Conducting fair investigations
  • Avoiding common risks
Venue:Delivered digitally via zoom
Date:20/08/2026
Time:09:30 - 12:30
Price: £270.00 per person   Please note our training events are VAT exempt
To book now please select how many people will be attending:
* Max of 4 delegates per organisation. Please call Acas on 0300 123 1150 or email events@acas.org.uk if number exceed this or for more details about the training session.