A UK-based logistics and transport organisation approached ICENA following a serious incident of sexual harassment in the workplace. Operating across multiple sites with a diverse workforce, senior leaders recognised the need to respond appropriately to the incident while also addressing wider cultural risks and strengthening preventative measures.
Although policies and internal campaigns were already in place, the incident raised concerns about their effectiveness in practice. Leaders acknowledged the importance of reviewing existing approaches, supporting those affected, and ensuring the organisation was meeting its responsibilities under the Worker Protection Act (2023). They therefore sought specialist support to respond with care, clarity, and confidence, while laying the foundations for longer-term cultural change.
ICENA’s Solution
- Incident Response Support and Organisational Review.
ICENA began by supporting the organisation in the immediate aftermath of the incident, providing specialist guidance to help leaders respond in a way that prioritised safety and learning.
This initial phase included a review of existing policies, procedures, and internal campaigns related to sexual harassment and dignity at work. ICENA worked with senior stakeholders to assess how these were being understood and applied in practice, identifying any gaps between policy and lived experience.
This review enabled the organisation to reflect on what was already in place, what was working, and where further clarity or strengthening was needed. It also ensured that subsequent work was grounded in the organisation’s real context rather than assumptions.
- Anonymous Staff Climate Survey.
Building on this foundation, ICENA designed and delivered a fully anonymous Staff Climate Survey focused on sexual harassment, reporting confidence, leadership accountability, and workplace culture. The survey provided employees with a safe and confidential opportunity to share experiences, perceptions, and concerns, helping to surface issues that may not otherwise be disclosed.
ICENA managed the full process, including survey design, dissemination, analysis, and reporting. The findings gave senior leaders clear insight into organisational strengths, gaps in knowledge, and areas of risk, enabling evidence-based decision-making and targeted action.
- Senior Leadership Training and Action Planning
Using the survey findings as a foundation, ICENA spent two full days working closely with the organisation’s Senior Leadership Team.
During this time, ICENA:
- Delivered tailored training on sexual harassment, prevention, and organisational accountability.
- Provided clear guidance on legal responsibilities, including duties under the Worker Protection Act.
- Presented and explored the survey findings in depth.
- Facilitated structured action planning sessions focused on practical, preventative steps relevant to the organisation.
The sessions created space for open discussion and challenge, enabling leaders to explore complex issues, such as the difference between banter and sexual harassment, barriers to disclosure, and the impact of silence on workplace safety.
All outcomes, insights, and recommendations were compiled into a comprehensive written report, providing a clear roadmap for action and accountability.
- Ongoing Work and Organisation-Wide Training
Building on this leadership work, ICENA is now supporting the organisation to roll out tailored sexual harassment training across sites throughout the UK, ensuring all staff receive consistent, relevant, and practical guidance.
As part of this ongoing programme, ICENA is working with the organisation to deliver learning and engagement in ways that reflect the realities of its operational environment and workforce. This includes using flexible, accessible approaches beyond traditional classroom-based training, designed to reach staff in varied roles and settings. These methods create opportunities for learning, reflection, and questions in formats that fit the organisation’s business needs, while reinforcing key messages around prevention, reporting pathways, and expected standards of behaviour.
This ongoing programme reflects the organisation’s commitment to prevention rather than reaction, embedding learning across teams and reinforcing leadership accountability at every level. Further consultancy support is under discussion, with a follow-up meeting scheduled to review progress, assess impact, and identify next steps.
Impact and Outcomes
The senior leadership training and facilitated sessions delivered immediate and measurable impact:
- A 55% increase in knowledge of sexual harassment in the workplace.
- 100% of participants reported feeling empowered following the sessions.
- An overall training rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.
Participants highlighted the value and the key learning points of:
- Clear information on sexual harassment law and employer responsibilities.
- Understanding the requirements of the Worker Protection Act.
- Identifying different forms of sexual harassment through real examples.
- Reviewing national statistics and understanding how these related directly to their organisation.
- Exploring barriers to disclosure and how leaders can help overcome them.
- Developing organisation-specific action plans.
Senior leaders shared highly positive feedback:
- “Excellent content. Kat’s energy, knowledge and approach was refreshing. Very engaging style, which allowed space and time for participation and debate.”
- “Really good training, really engaging, I have learnt a lot.”
- “Interactive with an excellent blend of media to present points and discuss, along with opportunities to slow things down and seek clarification if required.”
This work represents an important step in the organisation’s wider cultural change journey. Through incident-responsive support, anonymous insight, tailored leadership training, structured action planning, and ongoing support, the organisation is strengthening its approach to prevention, accountability, and creating safer workplaces across its operations.
