New app supports construction firms with harassment reporting

UK employers, including those in construction, now face increased legal duties under the Worker Protection Act — and a new reporting platform could help them meet those responsibilities.

Originally launched in 2024, the SaferSpace app allows staff to report incidents of harassment, discrimination, or misconduct confidentially, either anonymously or by name. Now backed by EducationScape, the platform has been developed for use across sectors including construction, where apprentices and subcontractors often lack direct access to safeguarding support.

The app arrives at a time of heightened scrutiny across UK workplaces, as the Worker Protection Act, which came into force earlier this year, introduces a legal obligation on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment. Failure to comply can result in tribunal claims, reputational damage, and financial penalties.

“People often don’t speak up because they don’t think anything will change,” said Sunita Gordon, co-founder of SaferSpace. “This system supports staff and gives employers a fair, reliable way to respond.”

The construction sector, which employs thousands of young apprentices in site-based environments, is under pressure to improve safeguarding processes. A Department for Education study found that many apprentices were unaware of their rights or how to report inappropriate behaviour.

SaferSpace routes reports directly to designated HR or safeguarding leads via a secure case-handling system. All incidents are time-stamped, fully logged and handled through workflows aligned with company policy. A built-in AI chatbot — trained on the UK Equality Act — also helps users understand their situation and decide whether to report.

For employers, a live dashboard highlights behavioural trends and case progress across sites and regions. This helps senior leaders monitor workplace culture, demonstrate compliance, and take proportionate action when concerns arise.

Shane Mann, chief executive of EducationScape, said: “HR teams are already managing complex cases across fragmented systems. SaferSpace brings everything together in one place and supports transparency, governance and consistency.”

The app is available now and can be integrated into existing HR systems. Its developers say it can be rolled out quickly to help employers strengthen their culture, especially in high-risk environments such as construction sites.