Third Party Sexual Harassment Policy

Purpose of This Policy

This policy sets out the standards of behaviour expected during any visit, meeting, event, or engagement involving Tony Vaughan KC MP and/or members of his team. It is issued in advance to ensure that all organisations, venues, and individuals involved understand their responsibilities in preventing and responding to sexual harassment by third parties.

This policy is issued to help Tony Vaughan meet his legal duty to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of his employees, including by third parties, under the Equality Act 2010. The safety, dignity, and wellbeing of all staff is paramount. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

1. Definition of Third‑Party Sexual Harassment

Third‑party sexual harassment refers to any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature directed at Tony Vaughan KC MP, his team, or any person present during a visit, carried out by individuals who are not employees of the MP’s office. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Staff or volunteers of the host organisation
• Members of the public
• Contractors, visitors, or service users
• Event attendees

Sexual harassment may consist of a single serious incident or repeated behaviour. It may be verbal, non‑verbal, or physical. Examples include:

• Sexual comments, jokes, or innuendo
• Unwanted physical contact
• Intrusive or inappropriate personal remarks
• Sexual gestures or suggestive body language
• Persistent unwanted attention
• Any behaviour that creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.

 

2. Expectations of Host Organisations

Organisations hosting the MP or his team are expected to take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and respectful environment. Hosts must ensure that the venue is safe, professional, and free from harassment. This includes monitoring the behaviour of staff, volunteers, and attendees.

Hosts should ensure that all relevant individuals are aware of:

• Expected standards of conduct
• The zero‑tolerance approach to sexual harassment
• Their responsibility to intervene or report concerns

If it appears to Tony Vaughan or his staff that sexual harassment has occurred, the host organisation will be expected to act swiftly. This may include:

• Removing the individual responsible
• Intervening directly to stop the behaviour
• Ending the meeting or visit if necessary
• Contacting security or relevant authorities where appropriate.

3. Responsibilities of Tony Vaughan KC MP’s Team

Tony Vaughan KC MP’s team will:

• Provide this policy in advance of visits
• Share the name of a staff member who will act as the team’s point of contact
• Report any incidents of harassment to the host organisation
• Withdraw from the visit if safety or dignity cannot be assured
• Record incidents for internal safeguarding purposes.

4. Consequences of Failing to Meet These Standards

If Tony Vaughan or his staff consider that an organisation has failed to uphold this policy, the MP’s team may take one or more of the following actions:

• Terminate the visit immediately
• Decline future visits or engagement with the organisation
• Raise concerns with senior leadership of the organisation
• Record the incident for safeguarding and future planning
• Seek further advice where appropriate.

5. Reporting Criminal Behaviour

Where behaviour constitutes a criminal offence, including but not limited to sexual assault, physical contact of a sexual nature, or threatening behaviour, it will be reported to the police.

Published: 30 March 2026