Closing the POSH (Prevention Of Sexual Harassment) gap: why meaningful training matters

It has now been a year since the introduction of new legislation requiring employers to take reasonable steps to protect workers from third-party sexual harassment. For me, as the Learning and Development Advisor at FACT3, I’m interested in a critical part of those “reasonable steps”. In one word: training, but not just any training. The emphasis must be on meaningful training. 

This is the key. A quick, box-ticking session simply won’t cut it. The legislation calls for something deeper. Training that changes understanding, influences behaviour, and builds confidence in how to prevent and respond to harassment. So, the questions every organisation should be asking itself are:  have we implemented reasonable steps? And if not, why not? 

A recent WorkNest survey revealed:  

• 41% of employers have not yet carried out a sexual harassment risk assessment. 

• 22% are unsure if they have a valid risk assessment in place. 

• Only 45% of businesses have provided sexual harassment training for all staff and managers. 

• And worryingly, one-third have not provided any training at all since the new duty came into effect. 

As I reflected on these facts, something became clear: I had identified what I now call “The POSH Gap.” 

This gap represents the divide between organisations that have implemented meaningful, proactive training and those that have not. It’s more than a compliance issue; it’s a people issue. The risk extends beyond potential legal consequences - it’s about the wellbeing, dignity, and safety of employees, the very people who keep organisations moving. 

To help close this gap, the FACT3 Academy has developed a series of three targeted training sessions. Each is designed to capture a specific audience , managers, employees, and refresher participants ensuring that everyone understands their role in creating a safe and respectful workplace. 

Our goal is simple: to close the POSH Gap. 

These sessions aren’t just about information; they’re designed to be engaging, reflective, and impactful, with clear learning objectives that empower individuals and strengthen organisational culture. 

Because when training is meaningful, it doesn’t just meet a legal duty: it builds a safer, more respectful workplace for all. 

Want to understand how to close your POSH gap? Contact the FACT3 Academy to find out more.  

Author biography  

Myles Hall, Learning and Development Advisor, FACT3