Third-Party Harassment & the Law: What 'All Reasonable Steps' Actually Means | Peas in a Podcast

Welcome back to Season 3 of Peas in a Podcast! Refreshed, rearing to go, and diving straight into one of the most vital workplace topics facing business owners today: sexual harassment and third-party harassment. Employment law has undergone a massive shift. It is no longer enough to simply have an anti-harassment policy sitting in a drawer and investigate complaints after they happen. Employers now have a proactive, legal duty to take all reasonable steps to prevent harassment before it occurs. Furthermore, this duty extends to third parties: customers, clients, suppliers, service users, sub-contractors, and the general public. In this episode, Kay and Rebecca unpack what these legal changes mean for small business owners and leaders. They tackle the uncomfortable realities of workplace banter, explain why intention is not a legal defence, and break down practical ways to protect your team in environments outside your direct control. In this episode, we cover: The legal shift from taking "reasonable steps" to "all reasonable steps". What third-party harassment actually includes (from client dinners to house visits). The definition of harassment and why "unwanted conduct" is the key phrase. Why a 20-minute tick-box e-learning module will not protect your business or your staff. How to conduct practical risk assessments for high-risk scenarios involving alcohol, networking, and external client events. How to frame zero-tolerance expectations in client onboarding and commercial contracts. Building a genuine culture of care and psychological safety where employees feel empowered to speak up. If you want to ensure your business stays compliant while fostering a culture where your people feel safe and valued, this episode is essential listening. Want to explore this further? Get free access to our recorded employer webinar on preventing sexual harassment, with practical guidance to help you understand your responsibilities and where to start. https://riverside.com/webinar/on-dema... For more practical support, look out for our upcoming Harassment: Risk & Readiness working session, where we’ll help you assess your organisation’s risks and turn the guidance into a practical action plan.