The event, taking place at Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Club on Monday 16th November, will bring together legal experts, HR professionals and Wiltshire Police to provide practical guidance on employers’ responsibilities and how organisations can better support staff affected by domestic abuse.
It follows changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025, which come into force on 30th October and strengthen employers’ obligations to protect workers from sexual harassment and harassment by third parties, including customers and clients.
Under the new rules, employers must take ‘all reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment, strengthening the existing requirement to take ‘reasonable steps’.
Organisers say a recent survey of Wiltshire businesses highlighted a lack of awareness about employment legislation, with many organisations unsure how to respond to sensitive workplace issues or develop appropriate policies.
The two-hour session, running from 3pm to 5pm, will focus on practical advice rather than networking or commercial opportunities.
It will also examine domestic abuse and its impact on employees, including those working from home, and explore how businesses can identify risks and provide appropriate support.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics underline the scale of the issue, with an estimated 3.8 million people aged 16 and over experiencing domestic abuse in England and Wales during the year ending March 2025.
Local businessman and event organiser James Phipps said the aim was to give employers the knowledge and confidence to take meaningful action.
He said:
“This unique, free session is not a networking event, it is not being designed for sales opportunities. It is purely to give local leaders the right insight and knowledge to understand their legal responsibilities and can then act accordingly.”
The event is being held in association with Wiltshire Police, law firm Thrings, KR HR & Training Consultancy and domestic abuse charity Society Without Abuse (SWA), with sponsorship from Swindon-based GEL Studios.
Mark Cooper, Deputy Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police, said tackling violence against women and girls remained a key operational priority for the force.
He said:
“Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls is one of Wiltshire Police’s operational priorities, and partnership working is essential to improving outcomes for victims.
“By equipping employers with the right knowledge and support, we can work together to identify risks earlier, safeguard those affected and help prevent further harm.
“I encourage leaders from organisations across Wiltshire to attend this event and play their part in creating safer communities.”
Carey Willis Fleming, Senior Associate at Thrings, said the legislation represented an important development for employers.
She said: “The upcoming change in the law is a significant development for employers, and we want to ensure businesses understand what is changing and the obligations these changes will bring for their organisation.”
Kathryn Fairlie, Director at KR HR & Training Consultancy, said changing working patterns had also introduced new challenges for organisations.
She said:
“On top of the changes in employment law, the way in which many businesses operate has evolved over recent years, with homeworking increasingly prevalent.
“This seminar will help employers to consider different risks in a practical, logical way, including being mindful of how domestic abuse can impact people at work.
“The right response as an employer can change, and potentially save, someone’s life.”
The session is aimed at business owners, directors, senior managers, HR professionals and anyone responsible for employee wellbeing.
The free event, titled ‘Stand Against Abuse: Employer Responsibility In Focus’, takes place on Monday 16 November from 3pm to 5pm at Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Club, Malmesbury Road, SN4 8DS.**
Places can be reserved through Eventbrite.
