It's Christmas party season: Is your business ready?

Charlotte House is hosting a seminar on Thursday 3 December, titled It's Christmas party season: Is your business ready? It's a practical session for employers on the duty to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, and the timing is pretty pointed: just as the office Christmas party circuit kicks off, it's a good moment to make sure your policies are actually up to scratch.

The session focuses on the proactive duty to prevent sexual harassment, which has been in force since 2024. The reason it's particularly relevant right now is a change that came in on 30 October 2026, which broadened the scope of that duty. Employers now have to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment not only from the rest of the workforce but also from third parties that employees interact with as part of their employment. If your staff deal with clients, contractors, or the public, that's where the new rules really bite.

Two people from the local employment law scene are leading the talk. Tom Martin is a senior associate in the firm's Lincoln employment law team, where he handles day-to-day issues like disciplinary and grievance matters, employment contracts, IR35 compliance, and employment tribunal claims. Joining him is Emily Hand, an employment solicitor who qualified in 2022 and specialises in disciplinary, capability, and grievance processes. Between them, they cover the practical side of how these things play out in a real business, rather than just the theory.

It runs from 09:00 to 11:30 on Thursday 3 December at Charlotte House, The Lawns, Union Road, Lincoln, LN1 3BJ. Entry is free for everyone.