Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature which has the purpose or effect of violating your dignity, or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.

This type of behaviour is never OK, and we’ll take all complaints of sexual harassment seriously.

Sexual harassment can be a one-off incident or on ongoing pattern of behaviour. It can happen in person or in other ways, for example online through things like email, social media or messaging tools.

An example of sexual harassment could include:

• Telling sexually suggestive jokes, comments or innuendo, offensive gestures, or whistling
• Unwelcome touching or sexual advances

Sexual harassment doesn’t need to be related to a protected characteristic. For example, someone who thinks they've been sexually harassed does not need to show it was because of their sex or sexual orientation. It also doesn’t have to be intentionally directed at a specific person. And something can still be considered sexual harassment even if the alleged harasser didn't mean for it to be.

If you experienced or witness sexual harassment, you can find specialist helplines and support here.

To understand more about bullying, harassment and sexual harassment and what you should do if you are or have experienced this, please refer to our ED&I Policy for further information, help and support.