Dumfries and Galloway Council has reinforced its commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace with the approval of a new Prevention of Sexual Harassment Policy at today’s Enabling and Customer Services Committee (25 March).
The policy includes dedicated training and proactive prevention measures, ensuring that all colleagues understand their rights and responsibilities. It directly supports the council’s ongoing Respect Our Colleagues campaign, which promotes a culture of dignity, professionalism and mutual respect across the organisation.
The policy aligns with new legal requirements under the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act) Act 2024, which includes a new duty on employers to take proactive steps to prevent workplace harassment. The policy also supports the council’s efforts towards Equally Safe at Work accreditation, recognising best practice in preventing violence and harassment in the workplace.
Councillor Ivor Hyslop, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Enabling and Customer Services Committee, said:
“Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected in their workplace. Our new policy builds on existing protections – strengthening our ability to prevent, challenge and respond to sexual harassment, while reinforcing the key messages set out in our Respect Our Colleagues campaign. By embedding this policy across our workforce, we are ensuring that respect continues to be at the heart of our organisational culture.”Councillor Richard Marsh, Vice Chair, added:
“This policy is about action. It helps ensure that every employee, at every level, understands their rights, has access to clear reporting mechanisms and is supported if they need to speak up.”
Key supportive and preventative measures introduced in the policy include:
• Training for all employees, with tailored support for managers.
• A new risk assessment framework to proactively identify and mitigate workplace risks.
• Dedicated reporting channels, including the EthicsPoint reporting system.
• Targeted safeguards for higher-risk roles.
