Prevention of sexual harassment

At North Somerset Council, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all employees and everyone we work or interact with in the wider community. 

Aligned to the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, we recognise our legal and ethical duty to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. 

Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature. To be sexually harassed, the unwanted behaviour must have either: 

• violated someone’s dignity, whether it was intended or not
• created an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment, whether this was intended or not

Our prevention of sexual harassment policy is our commitment to our employees and everyone we work with.

The policy outlines clear standards of behaviour, reporting mechanisms and our zero-tolerance approach to any form of sexual harassment.

We have developed a third-party statement. It reinforces the council’s commitment to a safe and respectful workplace especially when employees interact with our wider community such as clients, customers, suppliers or members of the public.

Our prevention of sexual harassment policy:

• clarifies expectations - it sets clear boundaries for behaviour expected from third parties when engaging with employees
• communicates zero tolerance - it publicly declares that sexual harassment whether from within or outside the council will not be tolerated
• demonstrates legal compliance - as an employer we are legally obligated to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment including that perpetrated by third parties
• protects employees - it reassures employees that they are supported and protected even when harassment comes from someone not employed by the council
• enables accountability - if harassment occurs, the policy signposts action such as reporting procedures, consequences and support systems
• promotes awareness - it educates third parties about what constitutes sexual harassment and the seriousness with which the council treats it