All Reasonable Steps

A customer crosses the line, your team freezes, and the shift carries on because nobody is sure what they are allowed to do. That moment is not just awkward, it is risk. From 30 October, UK employers face a higher bar on preventing sexual harassment through “all reasonable steps”, plus a new and wider duty around third-party harassment, covering customers, clients, contractors, suppliers and the public. If you employ people, this matters even if the person causing the harm is not on your payroll. We unpack what the legal change actually asks for, without jargon or scare tactics. We talk through the difference one word makes, what tribunals will probe, and why “reasonable” still depends on the size and shape of your business. You will leave with a clear picture of practical steps that stand up in the real world: a quick harassment risk assessment, a plain-English anti-harassment policy that names third parties, manager training that helps people act in the moment, and a reporting route staff will genuinely trust. We also get into the part leaders often miss: most harassment problems do not start with a dramatic incident. They start small, get brushed off, and escalate when people learn nothing happens here. That is why a speak-up culture is not a nice-to-have, it is the cheapest tribunal insurance you can buy, and the most human way to keep your people safe. We finish with a key update on how reporting sexual harassment can interact with whistleblowing law, and why your response now matters twice over. Subscribe so you do not miss the October changes, share this with a manager who deals with customers, and leave a review if it helps. What is the one situation in your business where you most need a clear line and a safe way to report it? > If you’re not 100% sure how your HR is *really* holding up, take our free HR Health Check. It’s short, jargon-free, and gives you a clear score on what’s working — and what needs a bit of love. > > And if you do it before **1st April 2026**, you’ll get a bonus **7 Pillar Strategy-on-a-Page**, tailored to help you manage HR brilliantly for the year ahead. **Let’s be honest, culture shifts when people feel safe to speak up.** New rules mean you’re legally required to take *reasonable steps* to prevent harassment. **SafeVoice** helps you do just that. It’s a simple, confidential way for your team to raise concerns — no faff, no tech headaches. ✔ Builds trust ✔ Meets your legal duty 👉 kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/services/safevoice > That’s it for today, but if you fancy a bit of friendly HR advice in your inbox (with zero waffle), come and join our newsletter. > > We send out bite-sized tips, plain-English updates, and handy things you’ll actually use — no spam, no fluff. > > You can sign up here If you're not sure how your HR is really holding up, take the free HR Health Check. It's short, jargon-free, and gives you a clear score on what's working and what could do with a bit of love. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe so you never miss one, and leave a review if you've got thirty seconds. It honestly does help more small business owners find the show, and it's the cheapest good deed you'll do all week. Got a question or need actual HR support? Find Kate at kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email [buzz@kateunderwoodhr.co.uk](mailto:buzz@kateunderwoodhr.co.uk), or follow along on social. Until next time, keep buzzing, and take care of your people.