FOI Request - Sexual Harassment Policy

Request 101003925757

1. Does your council have a policy on sexual harassment in the workplace?
a) Yes - Please attach a copy of this policy or a copy of a document that includes a policy and procedures on this.
b) No – Please explain why?

2. If you answered yes to question 1, are local authority-maintained schools required to adhere to the same policy?
a) Yes
b) No

3. Does your council have training initiatives in place to address and prevent sexual harassment in the workplace?
a) Yes - Is the training provided:
To all employees? Yes/No
To managers on how to support staff who have reported workplace sexual harassment? Yes/No

b) No – Please explain why.

4. If you answered yes to question 2:
a) Is the training delivered:
1. Online
2. In person
3. Hybrid

b) Please provide details about who delivers the training on sexual harassment.

5. For 2023, 2024 and 2025 calendar years, please provide the number of recorded formal and informal complaints made about sexual harassment allegedly perpetrated by council employees against other employees broken down by:

a) Gender of claimant and alleged perpetrator

b) The nature of the allegations for example:
1.Unwelcome verbal/banter of a sexual nature
2.Unwelcome physical advances of a sexual nature.
3.Sexual assault

c) The number of formal and informal complaints that led to the perpetrator being:
1.Given a warning
2.Suspended
3.Dismissed
4.Other – please state.

d)The number of formal and informal complaints that to your knowledge have been referred to:
1. The police for criminal investigation?
2. The appropriate professional registration body. e, g Social Work England?

Response 26-02-2026 

1. It is part of the Bullying and Harassment policy which is currently being updated and due to be presented to Committee in May. The updated policy is not available to distribute until it has been approved and is subject to discussion with TUs on 4 March.

2. Yes

3. Training is being developed and HR currently provide advice and guidance. It is proposed an eLearning module will be available for all staff. 

An eLearning module will be available along with management guidance to support application of their duties.

4. Online -eLearning module 
5. Zero