Diane Wills Therapist, Consultant & Coach Ltd

I support organisations to manage and resolve sexual harassment complaints in the workplace by providing specialist coaching to individuals against whom complaints have been made.

When a sexual harassment allegation arises, organisations are often left navigating legal risk, reputational exposure, employee wellbeing concerns and complex team dynamics all at once. Investigations and HR processes are essential, but they rarely address the behavioural patterns, thinking styles and emotional regulation difficulties that sit underneath the issue. That gap is where I work.

With over 25 years’ experience as a forensic practitioner, I bring a depth of expertise that is unusual in corporate settings. I am a former Probation Officer, a Registered Social Worker, a Psychotherapist, an Author and I regularly practise within forensic psychology contexts.  My career within the criminal justice system has given me extensive experience in behavioural change, risk management, sexual harm prevention and structured intervention with individuals whose behaviour has caused harm.

I apply this forensic, evidence-informed lens within organisations to reduce risk, prevent repeat incidents and support meaningful change.

My work focuses on coaching individuals who have been the subject of sexual harassment complaints. This is not generic executive coaching, it is structured, psychologically informed behavioural change work designed to increase insight, accountability, emotional regulation, impulse control and professional boundaries.

For organisations, the commercial benefits are clear.  Effective early intervention reduces the likelihood of repeat complaints, internal grievances and escalation to employment tribunals. It helps mitigate legal and financial risk, reduces staff absenteeism linked to psychological safety concerns, and protects organisational reputation. It also demonstrates a proactive and responsible response to misconduct, which is increasingly important in the current regulatory and political climate.

Beyond risk management, this work supports culture change. Addressing sexual harassment skilfully promotes psychological safety, strengthens trust in leadership, and supports staff retention and engagement. Employees are far more likely to remain within organisations where issues are handled decisively, fairly and professionally.

Through this process, individuals learn to:

• Recognise cognitive distortions and unhelpful belief systems so that the individual can manage their collegial relationships more effectively
• Develop emotional intelligence and self-regulation skills so that trust and respect are enhanced in the workplace
• Understand power dynamics and professional boundaries so that the individual can adjust their interaction with colleagues accordingly
• Take responsibility for impact, not just intent so that consideration for colleagues is increased
• Embed sustainable behaviour change aligned with organisational values to reduce the risk of further harm occurring
• Develop compassion for themselves and others so that they can be a helpful and supportive colleague

In addition to one-to-one behavioural coaching, I provide:

• Preventative coaching and workshops to reduce sexual harassment risk
• Emotional intelligence coaching for leaders and employees
• Support with managing complex team dynamics 

My approach is direct, accountable and grounded in empirical knowledge. I understand both the legal seriousness and the human complexity of sexual harassment allegations. I work collaboratively with HR, legal teams and senior leadership to ensure interventions align with internal processes, safeguarding obligations and organisational strategy.

Given the increasing scrutiny on workplace culture, equality, diversity and inclusion and employer responsibility, organisations cannot afford reactive or superficial responses to sexual misconduct.  If you are a proactive and forward thinking organisation who recognises sexual harassment as an area you have to get right, I can help you to manage your risk management and culture protection strategy.

I provide confidential and discreet, specialist coaching that helps organisations manage complaints effectively while supporting individuals to make crucial and measurable changes in their thinking, emotional regulation and behaviour.

Handled skilfully, these situations do not have to define your organisation. They can instead become a welcome opportunity to demonstrate integrity, leadership and commitment to a safe and respectful workplace.