Sexual harassment in the work place in offices in Wales

You asked

Please provide the following information in relation to sexual offences in the work place within your welsh offices. I would like this information to cover the financial years 2015-16, 2016-17, and 2017-18.

1. In total, how many accusations of sexual harassment were made by members of staff against other members of staff?

• Of these in 1, how many complainants were women?
• Of these in 1, how many of those accused were men?

2. How many members of staff were subject to disciplinary proceedings due to accusations of sexual harassment in the work place?

3. How many members of staff were dismissed due to sexual harassment in the work place?

4. How much money has the department paid out in damages/compensation or in settlement agreements to individuals as a result of sexual harassment proceedings? The answer should include cases where an out of court financial settlement was reached after a claim had been filed, even when the department does not accept the claim/liability; and it should also include cases where court proceedings were not initiated but the department paid damages/compensation or entered an agreement without itself necessarily accepting liability.

• What was the largest single sum paid out for such purposes? (If finding this information would tip the request over the threshold for costs of compliance, please disregard this question)

5. What is the department’s policy for entering non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)?

6. In how many cases in the years specified above has the department used NDAs to resolve sexual harassment cases? (If finding this information would tip the request over the threshold for costs of compliance, please disregard this question)

We said

Thank you for your request.

We have provided a response to your request using the same numbering you provided.

1. There have been fewer than 5 cases in Wales involving allegations of sexual harassment for financial years 2015/16, 2016/17 and 2017/2018.

In relation to questions 1-3 due to the low numbers involved and the possibility of identifying individuals by revealing a breakdown and outcome of these cases, we find that s.40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 applies; we are therefore unable to provide further information.

4. No money has been paid in damages/compensation or in settlement agreements to individuals as a result of sexual harassment proceedings.

5. We do not operate non-disclosure agreement.

6. We have not used non-disclosure agreements to resolve sexual harassment cases for the years specified.

We take sexual harassment extremely seriously. In line with our discipline procedures, we follow up any formal allegation of sexual harassment with an investigation. Our staff are aware of and have been provided with guidance regarding sexual harassment.