The act, which is an amended version of the Equality Act 2010, brings some new guidance regarding our duties as an employer around preventing sexual harassment. Sarah Dewar, our Chief People Officer here at Everyturn, speaks on our commitment to the Worker Protection Act, and what we’re doing at Everyturn to prevent sexual harassment.
At Everyturn, we firmly believe that everyone has the right to work in an environment that is free from harassment, discrimination, and intimidation. As the Chief People Officer, I want to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to preventing sexual harassment and continuing to promote a workplace culture grounded in respect, dignity, and inclusivity.
Sexual harassment undermines our core values, and can have devastating effects on people and the workplace as a whole. It can take many forms, ranging from inappropriate comments to unwanted advances, and it is never acceptable. We recognise our responsibility to actively combat sexual harassment in all its forms and to foster an environment where everyone feels safe to report incidents without fear of retaliation.
To support us in our duty to prevent Sexual Harassment we have:
Comprehensive Policies
We have an established and robust prevention of bullying and harassment policy that clearly defines unacceptable behaviours, reporting procedures, and consequences for any breaches. This policy is accessible to all employees and is regularly reviewed and updated.
Training and Awareness
We provide mandatory training for all employees, on identifying, preventing, and responding to sexual harassment. This training includes instruction on bystander intervention and creating a culture of support for those affected.
Open Communication
We encourage open dialogue about sexual harassment and its impacts. We are committed to listening to employee concerns and providing confidential channels for reporting incidents. Our People team is dedicated to handling all reports sensitively and thoroughly. We aim to foster an environment where employees feel empowered to speak up, and we engage with an external provider See Hear Speak Up.
Accountability
We hold ourselves accountable for maintaining a harassment-free workplace. We are committed to regular audits and assessments of our practices to ensure compliance and effectiveness in our prevention efforts.
At Everyturn, we understand that creating a safe and respectful workplace is a continuous journey that requires commitment from everyone in our organisation. We urge everyone to actively take part in cultivating an environment of respect and support. Each of us has a role to play in preventing sexual harassment and standing against any form of misconduct.