Welcome to Sexual Harassment in Pharmacy Practice

Sexual harassment has no place in pharmacy practice. It damages dignity, safety, confidence and teamwork, and can affect anyone regardless of role, gender, seniority or employment status. In pharmacies it may come from colleagues, managers, contractors, delivery staff, patients or customers, and it can also occur in online work-related spaces.

Learner note: This course contains examples of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct. You may pause at any time. If this topic affects you personally, follow your workplace reporting route or support policy.

This course is for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, dispensers, medicines counter staff, delivery staff, managers, locums and other pharmacy team members. It explains what sexual harassment is, how it may present in pharmacy practice, the relevant legal and professional duties, ways to prevent it, and how to respond when concerns arise.

Why This Course Matters

Sexual harassment is a matter of professional conduct and staff welfare. Behaviour dismissed as banter or friendliness can still be unwanted and harmful. The experience of the person affected matters; pharmacy teams need to recognise such behaviour, reduce risk through prevention and policy, and respond correctly when concerns are raised.

• Understand the issue clearly: Learn what sexual harassment means in law and in everyday pharmacy practice.
• Recognise how it may happen: Identify behaviour between colleagues, from patients or customers, or via messaging and social media.
• Support a safer workplace: See how prevention, clear policies, training and respectful practice reduce risk.
• Respond appropriately to concerns: Know how to listen, record, report and escalate without minimising or dismissing reports.

How This Course Will Help You

On completion you will be better able to recognise sexual harassment in pharmacy settings, understand the role of perception and professional boundaries, and contribute to a safer, more respectful and more inclusive workplace for staff, patients and the public.