Sexual Harassment Awareness Training Course

Everyone has the right to work in an environment that is safe, respectful, and free from harassment. Sexual harassment in the workplace can cause lasting harm to individuals, damage organisational reputation, and breach employment law.

This free Sexual Harassment Awareness online course equips staff and managers across the health and social care sector with the knowledge and confidence to recognise, report, and prevent sexual harassment. It also outlines employer duties under UK law — including the Worker Protection Act 2023 — and explains how to build a culture of respect and accountability at every level.

Why Take This eLearning Course?

Sexual harassment is unlawful and unacceptable in any workplace, but it remains under-reported in the care sector. This course helps you understand what sexual harassment is, how it manifests, and what steps can be taken to prevent and address it.

Through practical examples and up-to-date legal guidance, you’ll learn how to:

• Recognise and respond appropriately to different forms of sexual harassment.
• Understand the impact of harassment on wellbeing, trust, and organisational culture.
• Follow clear reporting and documentation procedures.
• Apply the Worker Protection Act 2023 and Equality Act 2010.
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and professional workplace environment.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Define sexual harassment and describe how it affects individuals and organisations.
• Identify the different types of harassment — verbal, visual, physical, and online.
• Understand quid pro quo and third-party harassment within care settings.
• Recognise legal protections under the Worker Protection Act 2023 and Equality Act 2010.
• Explain how to report incidents and follow appropriate procedures.
• Understand both employer and employee responsibilities in preventing harassment.
• Describe how to respond to harassment using informal and formal routes.
• Promote respectful communication and positive workplace culture.

Sexual Harassment Training Course Outline

Module 1: Understanding Sexual Harassment
Learners will understand what sexual harassment means in the workplace and how it affects individuals, teams, and organisations. The module explores key UK legislation, including the Worker Protection Act 2023, which strengthens employer duties to prevent harassment. Learners will examine the emotional, psychological, and professional impact of harassment and why awareness and prevention are essential in every workplace.

Module 2: Recognising Types of Sexual Harassment
This module identifies the different forms sexual harassment can take—verbal, visual, and physical—and provides practical examples relevant to health and social care. Learners will explore concepts such as quid pro quo harassment and third-party harassment, understanding their implications in settings where service users, colleagues, or visitors may be involved.

Module 3: Identifying and Reporting Sexual Harassment
Learners will learn to recognise inappropriate behaviours that constitute sexual harassment and understand the importance of documenting and reporting incidents properly. The module includes practical examples and case studies to help staff identify boundaries and respond appropriately. Learners will also explore the value of early reporting in maintaining a safe and respectful working environment.

Module 4: Employer Responsibilities
This module outlines employer obligations under UK law, focusing on the proactive duty to prevent harassment introduced by the Worker Protection Act 2023. Learners will understand how policies, training, risk assessments, and leadership commitment contribute to safe, inclusive, and accountable workplaces.

Module 5: Employee Responsibilities
Learners will explore their personal and professional responsibilities in preventing and addressing harassment. The module highlights how everyday behaviour, respect, and awareness influence workplace culture. It also covers the crucial role of bystanders—how to intervene safely, offer support, and contribute to a zero-tolerance environment.

Module 6: Responding to Incidents of Sexual Harassment
This module explains the appropriate steps to take when harassment occurs, including both informal and formal reporting routes. Learners will understand organisational investigation procedures, confidentiality considerations, and the legal options available to those affected. The importance of empathy, sensitivity, and timely action is emphasised throughout.

Module 7: Preventing Sexual Harassment
The final module focuses on proactive prevention. Learners will discover how positive workplace cultures reduce the risk of harassment, and the role of regular training, clear communication, and leadership example. The module concludes by encouraging a shared responsibility to uphold dignity, respect, and professionalism across all roles and settings.

Target Audience

This course is suitable for all staff working in health and social care, including:

• Care workers, nurses, and healthcare assistants
• Managers and supervisors responsible for staff welfare
• HR and compliance officers developing workplace policies
• Volunteers, students, and agency workers

It is relevant to all care settings — including residential, domiciliary, NHS, and community-based services.

FAQ

How long does the course take?
Approximately 1 hour, depending on your pace.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. On completion, you’ll receive a Sexual Harassment Awareness Training Course certificate.

Is this course suitable for managers?
Yes. It includes sections on leadership responsibilities, policy development, and responding to incidents appropriately.

Does it cover new legislation?
Yes. The course reflects the Worker Protection Act 2023, which strengthens employer duties to prevent sexual harassment.

What should I do if I experience or witness harassment?
The course provides step-by-step guidance on reporting procedures and support routes within your organisation.

Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected at work. By learning to recognise and challenge harassment, you help create a culture where dignity, trust, and equality are upheld.

This training empowers both employers and employees to prevent misconduct, protect one another, and maintain professional standards across the health and social care sector.

Enrol on the Sexual Harassment Awareness Training Course today.

Gain the knowledge and confidence to promote a safe, respectful, and legally compliant workplace.