Festive Insights

In the first of our festive season videos, Partners Nikola Southern and Sandra Paul, with Senior Associate Ben Atkin, outline the risks employers face around sexual misconduct at work-related social events. They show how seemingly ordinary behaviour can amount to harassment or assault, especially when alcohol blurs boundaries. The video highlights criminal liability, reputational damage through social media, and regulatory consequences, while also stressing that Christmas parties are legally an extension of the workplace and that, since October 2024, employers have a proactive duty to prevent sexual harassment.

Click here to see the first instalment: Festive Insights: Understanding the Risks | KN Talks | Kingsley Napley

In the second video of our festive season series, Senior Associate Francesca Lopez explains how employers can fulfil their duty to prevent sexual harassment by conducting a risk assessment. She outlines why this step is essential, based on guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, and how it helps anticipate and mitigate risks at work-related social events.

Click here to see the second instalment: Festive Insights: Carrying out a Risk Assessment | KN Talks | Kingsley Napley

Ten practical tips for safer celebrations:

• Starting with alcohol
• Consider appointing “sober chaperones”
• Venue policies
• Travel arrangements
• Consider alternatives
• Review and update policies
• Training for managers
• Pre-event communications
• Social media
• Reporting

In the final video of our festive season series, Legal Director Bina Patel outlines ten practical steps employers can take to mitigate the risks of misconduct at workplace social events. Building on the legal duties and risk assessment covered in the first two videos, this session focuses on clear, actionable measures.

Together, these tips provide employers with a practical toolkit to keep celebrations safe, inclusive, and compliant.

Click here to see the third instalment: Festive Insights: Ten Practical Tips for Safer Celebrations | KN Talks | Kingsley Napley