This year a raft of familiar TV personalities have landed new jobs as they step into the roles left vacant by disgraced MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace at the end of last year.
The high-profile sexual misconduct allegations involving Wallace once again highlight the continuing failure of employers to adequately address misconduct concerns.
The fact that alleged misconduct seems not have been taken seriously at the earliest opportunity in this case may have contributed to an escalation in both Wallace’s inappropriate behaviour, and the consequent backlash felt by his employer.
The new Worker Protection Act 2023 came into force in October last year. It imposes a legal duty on UK employers to take preventative measures to address sexual harassment in the workplace. Yet there are often misconceptions about definitions, and a lack of understanding about the legal framework and consent protocols.
The Wallace case also highlighted the need for accessible, clear reporting channels that employees can trust. This is particularly the case when senior figures are involved. Reports in the Wallace case suggest that inappropriate sexual misconduct took place over a long period of time, with many incidents going unreported, suggesting that the affected staff did not know where to turn.
Bond Solon has developed two one day training courses that provide employers with the tools they need to create safer, more respectful work environments that ensure and demonstrate compliance:
- The Sexual Misconduct Awareness course provides staff with the ability to understand and identify misconduct, to respond sensitively and to navigate the reporting and complaint process with diligence and confidence in line with the new legislation.
- The Managing Whistleblowing course will enable staff to manage whistleblowers in accordance with current legislation, guidance and recognised best practice, including how to implement strategies to mitigate the risks and vulnerabilities faced by whistleblowers.
These two days’ training are standalone courses, but are often booked together.
We hope this is of interest. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss the programme, please call 0207 5492549 or email info@bondsolon.com