From 30 October 2026, employers will be required to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment and ensure harassment of employees by a third party (such as a client or customer) is not permitted. This will involve reviewing policies and procedures as well as developing training and awareness for managers and employees.

On this page you can log in to access member-exclusive resources to help you prepare and lead your organisation's compliance with these changes, including an explainer video, a before and after infographic, a checklist to help you create an action plan to plan, carry out and document steps taken to prevent sexual harassment as well as a flowchart to help you carry out a harassment risk assessment.

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Checklist for CIPD members

Use this checklist to ensure you're ready for the new requirement

Use this checklist to work through areas you need to review to prepare for the launch of the new duty to prevent harassment by third parties.

Checklist for CIPD members

Action plan: Steps being taken to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace

Use this action plan to assess areas to consider, document actions planned and taken and to oversee progress.

Man sitting at computer

Checklist for CIPD members

Checklist: Preventing harassment related to protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010

Use this checklist to ensure that your organisation is taking appropriate steps to maintain compliance with this obligation.

Checklist for CIPD members

Checklist: Documenting 'all reasonable steps' to prevent harassment

Use this checklist to identify steps, assess their reasonableness, and document decisions

Useful resources relating to harassment and sexual harassment

Explore resources relating to harassment and sexual harassment.

Introduction to bullying and harassment requirements

This factsheet outlines what bullying and harassment at work is, and how employers and employees can address the problem

Factsheet on bullying and harassment

Current law on harassment and sexual harassment

Understand the current legislation governing harassment and sexual harassment

Harassment and bullying: UK employment law

Guidance on tackling sexual harassment in the workplace

This guide provides practical steps for preventing, managing and tackling it within organisations

Sexual harassment guide

Guidance on NDAs

Clear and practical advice on the proper use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) or confidentiality clauses and how to avoid inappropriate use

Guidance on proper use of NDAs

Get insights from our webinar

This member-exclusive webinar helps ensure you are prepared to lead your organisation’s compliance

CIPD webinar: Sexual harassment and protection from harassment

Disclaimer 

Please note: While every care has been taken in compiling this content, CIPD cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. These notes are not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice. 

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