What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is unlawful. It is conduct of a sexual nature that has the purpose or effect of violating someone’s dignity, or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
Examples of sexual harassment:
- Physical conduct of a sexual nature, unwelcome physical contact or intimidation.
- Suggestions to meet up socially after a person has made clear that they do not welcome such suggestions.
- Showing or sending offensive or pornographic material by any means (e.g. text, email or by posting on the internet or social media).
- Unwelcome sexual advances, propositions, suggestive remarks, or gender-related insults.
- Offensive comments about appearance or dress, innuendos or lewd comments.
- Making sexually suggestive gestures.
- Gossiping and speculation about someone’s sexual orientation or transgender status, including spreading malicious rumours.
This list is not exhaustive, and other behaviour may constitute sexual harassment. A single incident can amount to sexual harassment.
We will take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment within the workplace and by third parties.
Immediate actions to take if you experience sexual harassment
Ensure your safety:
- If you feel unsafe, find a trusted person or safe space.
- if you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, contact emergency services on 999.
Document what happened
- Write down what happened as soon as you can and record dates, times, locations and names of any witnesses.
- Keep any evidence such as emails, messages, or photos.
This is helpful, whether you decide to report it or not.
Reporting options
Experiencing sexual harassment can leave you feeling anxious, isolated, angry, or confused. These feelings may also lead to further challenges such as difficulty sleeping or trouble concentrating. There is no right or wrong way to feel - your response is valid, and it’s important to know that support is available. Any form of sexual harassment is unacceptable and against our Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy.
- Speak to the person: If you feel able to, you may choose to speak directly to the person involved and explain that their behaviour is unwelcome.
- Talk to someone: Concerns can be raised with your Contact Partner, Line Manager, Head of Department or People Team contact.
- Report + Support: If you do not feel comfortable speaking to someone initially, you can share details using the Report + Support platform. You can choose to do so anonymously or with your contact details. Further information about reporting can be found in the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ document.
Available support
Possibly support avenues could include:
Internal Support
- People Advisory Team: Offer professional guidance and wellbeing support to help you navigate a wide range of complex situations. The team provide a safe and impartial space to talk things through.
- Inclusion Ambassadors: Identified by pink and black lanyards, they offer peer-level support, promote awareness, and help foster a culture where everyone feels respected and heard.
- Mental Health First Aiders: Trained to provide initial support for mental health concerns, these colleagues are a first point of contact if you're struggling or need someone to talk to. They can listen without judgement, offer reassurance, and guide you towards appropriate professional help if needed.
External Support
- Employee Assistance Programme: Free, confidential support with a trained counsellor. You can call on 0800 015 5630 or visit their website at www.eap-carefirst.com (username: lifestyle1234 and password: carefirst)
- LawCare: Mental health support for legal professionals. You can call on 0800 279 6888 or visit their website at https://www.lawcare.org.uk.
Please refer to the 'Available Support' pages on the Report + Support platform for a comprehensive list of support.
Supporting others who have been subjected to sexual harassment
If someone confides in you:
- Listen without judgement.
- Avoid playing down their experience or make excuses for the perpetrator.
- Recognise the broader context: Sexual harassment is often a misuse of power rather than a reflection of sexual desire. It can affect anyone, regardless of gender, though research shows it disproportionately impacts women and trans people. Each person’s experience may be shaped by past incidents, and while you don’t need to fully understand it, it’s important to accept their experience as real and valid.
- Offer practical help (e.g. accompany them to report and/or exploring support options).
- Help them explore their options but avoid pressuring them to any particular action.
- Consider your self-reporting requirements under paragraphs 7.7 and 7.8 of the SRA Code of Conduct for Solicitors .
- Look after your own wellbeing too.