Investigating sexual harassment: getting it right before October 2026

When a sexual harassment concern is raised, how it is investigated matters as much as what is found. A well-conducted investigation protects the individual, supports the organisation, and forms a critical part of demonstrating that reasonable steps to prevent misconduct. A poorly conducted one can do the opposite.

From October 2026, organisations in the UK will face an even higher standard. The shift to "all reasonable steps" means investigation quality will come under greater scrutiny - and the EHRC's technical guidance is already clear that investigations must be thorough, impartial, and conducted by people trained in handling sensitive issues and understanding the impact of trauma.

Sexual harassment investigations are not the same as other workplace investigations. They require specific skills, careful planning, and an awareness of the particular dynamics involved. Yet many organisations are running them without the right capability in place - and the consequences of getting it wrong are significant.

Join us as we explore what good practice looks like across the full investigation lifecycle, where organisations most commonly fall short, and what needs to be in place before October.

Topics covered will include:

• Why sexual harassment investigations require a specific approach
• Trauma-informed investigation techniques: what the EHRC guidance says and what it means in practice
• Planning, terms of reference, and structured reporting
• Investigator capability and independence - when internal resource is sufficient and when it is not
• How investigation quality will be assessed under the all reasonable steps standard
• Common failure points - and how to address them

What you will learn

• What good practice looks like across the full investigation lifecycle, from scoping through to outcome
• The specific skills investigators need when handling sexual harassment concerns
• Where organisations most commonly have gaps - and the practical steps to address them
• How to build an investigation framework that is consistent, defensible and sustainable

Who should attend

This session will be of particular value to HR Directors and People Leaders, General Counsel and legal teams, compliance and risk professionals, and anyone with responsibility for conducting or overseeing workplace investigations.