Workplace Compliance Updates and Practical Solutions

James Price

Welcome to our Regulatory Update for January 2025. This session highlights key updates in regulatory compliance for the year, with a focus on new SRA compliance guidance and the significant amendment to the Equality Act introducing the duty to prevent sexual harassment. These updates emphasise the importance of staying informed and proactive in fostering a compliant, safe, and inclusive workplace. Let’s explore these developments in detail.

James Price

As we step into 2025, the Solicitors Regulation Authority has introduced critical updates to support compliance professionals. To help navigate these changes, we are offering a series of new compliance courses on topics such as:

James Price

Additionally, mark your calendars for our live webinars: on the 17th of June and on the 7th of October.

James Price

These sessions will cover the latest regulatory priorities and compliance trends for 2025, ensuring your organisation remains ahead in an evolving landscape.

James Price

A major development this year is the amendment to the Equality Act, which introduces a new duty to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

James Price

This change adds Section 40A to the Act, which requires employers to take reasonable steps to protect employees from unwanted conduct of a sexual nature during the course of their employment.

James Price

Currently, the Act outlines this requirement as follows:

James Price

While this is a substantial advancement, the new Labour government has proposed additional amendments, including revising the term “reasonable steps” to “all reasonable steps” and introducing further regulations to define these actions more clearly. However, these changes may take several years to be implemented.

James Price

For now, organisations should adhere to guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission. This involves conducting comprehensive risk assessments to identify and diminish potential risks of sexual harassment.

James Price

The new preventative duty can be enforced by Employment Tribunals and the EHRC.

James Price

Employers failing to implement effective risk management measures may face increased compensation claims if harassment occurs. This highlights the importance of evaluating working patterns and implementing proactive strategies to manage risks effectively.

James Price

The EHRC recommends assessing the following common risk factors that could lead to sexual harassment:Lone working, Night or out-of-hours work, Alcohol presence, Customer-facing roles, Travel to different locations, Remote working, Attendance at events or social activities, Social media contact between employees. Employers should consider the frequency of these scenarios and take steps to minimise risks.

James Price

Mitigation strategies could include: Providing travel safety advice, Approved travel arrangements, Enhanced security protocols for late-night work, Virtual check-ins for remote workers, Establishing clear emergency contact procedures.

James Price

Additionally, the Solicitors Regulation Authority has updated its equality and diversity guidance to align with this new amendment, providing further resources to support businesses in compliance efforts.

James Price

In summary, the regulatory updates for 2025 underscore the importance of proactive compliance measures.

James Price

From new SRA guidance to the enhanced duty to prevent sexual harassment under the Equality Act, these changes call for immediate attention and action.

James Price

By staying informed and implementing robust strategies, organisations can ensure a safe, inclusive, and compliant environment for all.

James Price

Thank you for joining this session on the Regulatory Update for January 2025.

James Price

We encourage you to explore our courses and webinars to stay ahead of regulatory priorities and trends. Together, let’s build stronger, more resilient workplaces.