Managing christmas parties, workplace culture and sexual harassment law

About this event

Christmas parties are around the corner. Join us to explore the latest sexual harassment legal duties and employer responsibilities.

With Christmas parties, festive socials and end-of-year celebrations approaching, now is the perfect time to review your organisation’s approach to preventing sexual harassment and prepare for the important legal changes that have taken effect in 2026.

From 30 October 2026, the Employment Rights Act 2025 will strengthen the preventative duty already placed on employers. Organisations will be required to take “all reasonable steps”, rather than simply “reasonable steps”, to prevent sexual harassment of their employees.

Employers will also face potential liability for harassment by third parties, including customers, clients, contractors, suppliers and members of the public, where they have failed to take all reasonable steps to prevent it.

As workplace parties, client entertainment and social gatherings increase during the festive period, employers should consider the risks arising both from their own employees and from the third parties they encounter through work. This timely session will help attendees understand the new legal expectations and the practical steps organisations should take to protect their people, strengthen workplace culture and reduce legal and reputational risk.

Join The CIPD Branch in the Chilterns for this practical and informative online session, delivered by employment law expert Patrick Cunningham of Moorepay, as he explores the latest legal developments, what they mean in practice, and the steps employers should be taking now.

Topics will include:

• The change from taking “reasonable steps” to “all reasonable steps” to prevent workplace sexual harassment from 30 October 2026
• What taking “all reasonable steps” is likely to mean for employers in practice
• The introduction of employer liability for harassment by third parties, including customers, clients, contractors, suppliers and members of the public
• The enhanced whistleblowing protections applying to qualifying disclosures about sexual harassment from 6 April 2026
• Christmas parties, festive socials and work-related events: understanding when an employer may be responsible
• Identifying and assessing sexual harassment risks across the organisation, including at social events and in interactions with third parties
• Reviewing policies, reporting routes, training and preventative measures in response to the strengthened legal duties
• The responsibilities of managers and HR teams when concerns or complaints are raised
• Practical actions HR professionals and business leaders can take

What attendees will gain:

• A clear understanding of the sexual harassment law changes taking effect during 2026
• Greater clarity on the difference between taking “reasonable steps” and “all reasonable steps”
• An understanding of the circumstances in which employers may be liable for harassment by third parties
• Practical guidance on managing risks associated with Christmas parties, client entertainment and workplace social events
• Greater confidence in reviewing organisational risk assessments, policies, reporting procedures and training arrangements
• Greater awareness of the whistleblowing protections available when sexual harassment is reported in the public interest
• Practical steps to help create a safe and respectful working environment while reducing legal and reputational risk
• An opportunity to ask questions and learn from an experienced HR and employment law specialist

Whether you're an HR professional, people manager, business owner or organisational leader, this session will provide valuable, practical advice to help ensure your organisation remains compliant and creates a safe, respectful workplace culture.

About the Speaker:

Patrick Cunningham is Head of HR Operations at Moorepay and is an experienced HR and employment law specialist. He works closely with organisations across the UK, helping employers navigate complex people issues, legislative change and workplace compliance requirements. Patrick regularly delivers employment law briefings, webinars and training sessions, translating complex legal developments into practical guidance that HR professionals and business leaders can apply with confidence. His areas of expertise include employment law, employee relations, organisational risk management and HR best practice. Patrick is a recognised speaker on emerging workplace legislation and regularly supports employers in preparing for significant changes in UK employment law.

Please note:

• Participants will receive their joining details 24 hours before the webinar, along with a reminder one hour before the session begins.
• The session may be recorded and shared afterwards.
• The chat function will be used to engage with participants.
• If there is an external speaker, their views will be their own and may not necessarily reflect those of the CIPD.
• If any reasonable adjustments are required, participants are encouraged to make this known and assistance will be provided.