Prospect Defence Sector establishes Sexual Harassment Working Group

Prospect’s Defence Sector has established a dedicated Sexual Harassment Working Group to reinforce preventative measures, raise workplace standards and ensure consistent support for members across the sector.

This initiative marks a coordinated step forward in addressing issues that have persisted within parts of the defence industry, with a clear focus on practical outcomes and long-term cultural improvement.

At its inaugural meeting, representatives from across the sector came together to share experiences, highlight workplace challenges and identify examples of good practice among defence employers. The discussion enabled a constructive exchange of views and helped shape a set of immediate priorities for the group.

Central to these was the commitment to deliver targeted training for union representatives, equipping them to handle cases of sexual harassment with confidence and to better understand the emerging preventative duty placed on employers. This ensures that representatives are not only responding to incidents but are also actively supporting efforts to prevent them.

By drawing on both lived experience and established practices, the working group aims to build a stronger framework for tackling these issues within the sector.

Prospect Defence National Secretary, Bob King, said:

“This working group is about setting a clear standard across the defence sector, one where prevention is taken seriously, concerns are handled properly and members feel confident that their union is leading from the front. By bringing together evidence and member voices, we aim to drive meaningful change both within workplaces and at a wider policy level.”

Members and representatives are encouraged to continue contributing their insights and experiences to support the group’s ongoing work.

>>> Find out more about Prospect’s Sexual Harassment Support Service