Recent developments across workplace harassment, violence against women and girls, and community safety highlight the importance of safeguarding beyond traditional education, health and social care settings.
From stronger legal protections for workers to new measures addressing persistent antisocial behaviour, these updates have implications for employers, charities, housing providers, transport operators, events organisations and other public-facing services.
1. Stronger workplace harassment protections come into force
Effective: 30 October 2026
Source: Government — New Action to Tackle Harassment at Work
New protections under the Employment Rights Act 2025 came into force on 30 October.
Employers must now take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of their workers, strengthening the previous preventative duty.
Protections against harassment by third parties have also been strengthened, covering situations involving customers, clients, contractors and members of the public.
The changes are particularly relevant to public-facing workplaces and environments where workers may face increased risks of harassment.
What this means for safeguarding practice
Organisations should review their preventative arrangements, including risk assessments, reporting mechanisms, staff training, management accountability and responses to harassment involving third parties.
Safeguarding and workplace policies should work together, with clear distinctions between employment responsibilities and statutory safeguarding duties.
2. EHRC publishes updated guidance on preventing workplace harassment
Published: 30 October 2026
Source: Equality and Human Rights Commission — Updated Workplace Harassment Guidance
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has updated its technical guidance and practical eight-step guide to reflect the stronger legal requirements.
The guidance highlights the importance of assessing foreseeable risks and taking preventative action.
It specifically draws attention to risks associated with lone working, third-party interactions and work-related social events.
What this means for safeguarding practice
Employers should consider whether their arrangements address the realities of their working environments.
For organisations delivering events, training, outreach, housing services or public-facing activities, preventative measures should reflect risks involving both employees and external parties.
3. Government announces £15 million Misogyny Prevention Fund
Announced: 27 October 2026
Source: Government — Misogyny Prevention Fund
The government announced a £15 million fund intended to support work tackling misogynistic attitudes and improving the safety of women and girls.
Funding is intended to support initiatives over three years, potentially including mentoring, workplace training and public awareness campaigns.
The programme forms part of wider government efforts to prevent violence against women and girls.
What this means for safeguarding practice
Organisations should consider how attitudes, behaviours and organisational cultures can contribute to harassment and abuse.
Preventative safeguarding includes recognising harmful behaviours, challenging inappropriate conduct and ensuring people feel confident raising concerns.
This is a funding announcement, rather than a new statutory safeguarding duty.
4. Respect Orders introduced to tackle persistent antisocial behaviour
Effective: 26 October 2026
Source: Home Office — Respect Orders Launch
Respect Orders have come into force across England and Wales, introducing stronger measures to address persistent antisocial behaviour involving adults aged 18 and over.
The orders can impose restrictions and positive requirements, including measures intended to address underlying causes of behaviour.
Relevant authorities, including certain housing and transport bodies, may apply for orders.
What this means for safeguarding practice
Housing providers, community organisations and other services should understand how antisocial behaviour, intimidation, harassment and vulnerability can overlap.
Not every antisocial behaviour concern constitutes a statutory safeguarding matter, but professionals should recognise when protective intervention, information sharing or multi-agency working may be required.
5. Railway safety campaign marks ten years
Published: October 2026
Source: Government — See It. Say It. Sorted. Marks a Decade
The government has marked ten years of the national railway safety reporting campaign.
Although not a new safeguarding requirement, the campaign provides a useful example of promoting public awareness, encouraging reporting and making routes for raising concerns visible.
What this means for safeguarding practice
Clear reporting arrangements are particularly important in public-facing environments, events and transport settings.
People need to know what to report, how to report it and what response they can expect.
6. Supporting young people's independence through travel training
Government practice resource
Source: Government — Supporting Young People's Independence Through Travel Training
A government case study explores how travel training can help young people develop independence and confidence.
It provides a useful practice example of supporting autonomy while recognising individual needs and potential risks.
What this means for safeguarding practice
Safeguarding should not automatically mean restricting opportunities.
Effective risk assessment can support informed decision-making, appropriate adjustments and greater independence.
Key considerations for organisations
These developments demonstrate that safeguarding responsibilities extend beyond traditional service boundaries.
Organisations should consider whether they have effective arrangements to prevent harassment, recognise vulnerability, respond to concerns and create environments where people feel safe.
Effective safeguarding requires more than policies. It requires a culture in which concerns are recognised, people are heard and appropriate action follows.
RLB Safeguarding supports organisations across education, charities, housing, events and commercial settings through independent safeguarding audits, consultancy and training.