Harassment Prevention Training in the United Kingdom
Everything You Need to Know
What is the key legislation for harassment prevention training in the United Kingdom?
Unlike some jurisdictions, Great Britain does not have a specific statutory harassment prevention training mandate that requires employers to provide training at a prescribed frequency or duration. However, employers have broader legal obligations to prevent harassment and maintain a safe workplace under the Equality Act 2010, as amended by the Worker Protection Act 2023, as well as the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. The Worker Protection Act 2023 introduced a duty for employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, and training is widely recognized as one way employers can help demonstrate compliance with that obligation.
Which types of employers are affected?
These requirements apply to employers operating in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales), as well as employers with employees located in Great Britain.
What are the seat time and training frequency requirements?
There is no prescribed training duration or seat-time requirement under UK law.
Likewise, the legislation does not establish a specific training frequency requirement. However, under the Worker Protection Act 2023, employers have a duty to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, and training is widely recognized as an important component of demonstrating compliance with that duty.
Which topics are required for training?
UK law does not prescribe specific training topics for harassment prevention training. However, ComplyEQ’s training is aligned with recommendations set forth by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), including guidance contained in:
- Preventing sexual harassment at work: Employer 8-step guide
- Sexual harassment and harassment at work: Technical guidance
These resources recommend that employers help employees understand:
- What constitutes sexual harassment and unlawful harassment
- Employer and employee responsibilities
- How to recognize, prevent, and respond to inappropriate workplace behavior
- Reporting and complaint procedures
- The importance of fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace culture
- How employers can take proactive steps to prevent harassment before it occurs
How can ComplyEQ help employers address these obligations?
ComplyEQ’s Preventing Harassment and Discrimination in the United Kingdom training helps organizations support their obligations under UK law by providing employees with practical guidance on recognizing, preventing, and responding to harassment and inappropriate workplace behavior. The course is aligned with current EHRC recommendations and can be supplemented with organization-specific policies, reporting procedures, and workplace expectations through configurable course elements. Learn more about how this training can address your compliance goals here.
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This resource highlights workplace training mandates on selected topics, including harassment and discrimination prevention, bystander intervention, and workplace violence prevention. It is not a comprehensive list of all workplace training requirements or recommendations across all topics or jurisdictions. Information reflects the latest guidance available at the time of publication and may change. This resource is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Organizations should consult their legal counsel to determine specific training obligations.