Reliance Precision Limited is a family-owned engineering company specialising in the design, manufacture, assembly and test of highly complex components and sub-assemblies that play a critical role in the performance of the final application. Its markets include life sciences, defence, medical, aerospace, space and lab automation.
They wanted to enhance their existing e-learning sexual harassment awareness training with a face-to-face course for all staff. We carried out anonymous research with their 250+ staff and used this data within their bespoke training course.

All staff completed the half-day training course, including colleagues at their site in Cork, Ireland. Within the course, we looked at definitions and statistics, shared views and opinions on what is and isn’t sexual harassment, its impact, case studies, how we can respond as a bystander and the personal steps we can take as individuals to address this issue at work.
Alongside the training, Reliance Precision have created an awareness campaign to ensure staff are aware what is acceptable at work.

Ian Walter, Group Finance Director said “We had an excellent response from our employees to Julie’s training methods and delivery of these courses, which were very well received. Julie has really got to know our business and our employees, and has built up a strong partnership with Reliance.”

Julie Tweedale, Training and Development Manager at Freedom Personal Safety added ‘our partnership with Reliance Precision has enabled us to work together to explore the issue of sexual harassment with all staff in a way which you can’t do with e-learning. Being in a room together we can interact and have lively discussions and learn from each other. The Reliance Precision management team didn’t just want to tick a box, they took their legal responsibilities seriously and engaged in meaningful sessions which made a real impact on the workforce and the culture of the organisation.’

Following the government consultation on sexual harassment in the workplace employers must address and improve workplace practices and culture to prevent acts of harassment and discrimination;

• carefully tailored and effective training sessions for employees should be the minimum;
• complaints of harassment should be taken seriously, investigated and addressed in accordance with the workplace policy and procedures;
• it is imperative that employers take positive steps to prevent harassment rather than dealing with the issue after the event.

If you think we can help you to prevent sexual harassment at your workplace, get in touch.