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Sexual harassment

From 26 October 2024, dental practices in England, Wales, and Scotland must have taken proactive measures to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. This duty applies to practices of all sizes and requires reasonable steps to protect employees and workers during their employment. Below are some key steps dental practices should be taking to prevent sexual harassment.

The preventable duty

Dental practice owners and managers must familiarise themselves with the legal requirements, outlined in the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 and updated guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

The duty aims to transform workplace cultures by focusing on prevention rather than reaction. This approach is not only legally required but also beneficial for maintaining a healthy and productive working environment. It is crucial to understand that dental practices must anticipate and address potential scenarios where staff may face sexual harassment, implementing proactive measures to prevent such incidents.

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Sexual harassment at work

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