Love, Respect, and Safe Working: A Valentine’s Day Reminder for Schools

As Valentine’s Day approaches, schools and academies across the UK will see students and staff exchanging kind gestures, cards, and perhaps even participating in themed activities. While it’s a time to celebrate positive relationships, it’s also an important opportunity to reflect on the duty schools have to foster a safe, respectful environment for all.

The New Legal Duty to Prevent Sexual Harassment

Under the New Legal Duty to Prevent Sexual Harassment, schools and academies must be proactive in ensuring that all staff and students are protected from inappropriate behaviours. This legislation shifts the focus from responding to incidents of sexual harassment to actively preventing them, reinforcing the need for robust policies, training, and reporting mechanisms.

In a school setting, Valentine’s Day can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, unwanted attention, or behaviours that may inadvertently cross the line. It is crucial for schools to set clear expectations about appropriate conduct, ensure students and staff understand consent and boundaries, and promote a culture of mutual respect.

How Can Schools Take Action?

To support schools and academies in meeting their obligations under the new legal duty, HR Connect has developed a comprehensive Toolkit >> and tailored Training modules >> specifically designed for educational settings. This resource equips school leaders, staff, and governors with the knowledge and tools to:

• Recognise and prevent sexual harassment in schools
• Understand the new legal duty and what schools and academies should be doing to be legally compliant with the duty
• Foster a culture of respect and inclusivity
• Respond effectively to concerns and disclosures

Practical Steps for Schools This Valentine’s Day

1. Raise Awareness – Use staff briefings, assemblies, or classroom discussions to talk about appropriate behaviour and the importance of mutual respect.
2. Encourage Open Conversations – Create a safe space where students and staff feel comfortable discussing concerns and reporting inappropriate conduct.
3. Review Policies – Ensure your school’s safeguarding and anti-harassment policies are up to date and aligned with the new duty.
4. Invest in Training – Equip your staff with the right knowledge through the HR Connect Training to confidently prevent and address sexual harassment in the workplace.

Support Your School with Expert Resources

HR Connect’s Duty to Prevent Sexual Harassment Training >> provides practical, on-demand training modules specifically tailored for school staff, senior leadership teams, and governors. These courses ensure compliance with the new duty and help schools build safer environments for both staff and students.

Visit HR Connect today to explore our Training and our Toolkit which features 10 education specific tools and take the next step in safeguarding your school community.

Let’s make this Valentine’s Day a celebration of respect, inclusion, and safety for all.