An L&D leader's guide to regulatory compliance training in the UK

Compliance training might look like a checkbox from the outside — but L&D leaders know it’s a chance to protect people, build trust, and support HR in keeping the business on track. The reality? Regulations like sexual harassment laws, Equality Act 2010, Bribery Act 2010, and UK GDPR are always evolving, and staying current can feel like a job in itself. 

You’re already juggling a dozen priorities — supporting change, building skills, handling last-minute training requests — so leading compliance with confidence isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve created a quick guide to help you cut through the noise and get a handle on the most common regulations L&D and HR teams are expected to cover. 

A well-rounded compliance training program should include key areas like HR regulations, financial ethics, data privacy, cybersecurity, and workplace safety. Not sure where to begin? Below, we’ve outlined essential US regulations that businesses need to follow. 

1. HR Compliance: Preventing discrimination and harassment 

UK employment laws require employers to train staff on workplace conduct, anti-discrimination policies, and employee rights. Industry- and region-specific training is also key, especially for harassment prevention, modern slavery awareness, and inclusive recruitment practices. 

Key Topics: 

• Harassment prevention (state-specific requirements) 
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) 
• Anti-discrimination laws 
• Workplace violence prevention 
• Family and medical leave policies  

Common Regulations: 

• Equality Act 2010 
• UK Workers Protection Act 2024 
• Employment Rights Act 1996 
• Protection from Harassment Act 1997 
• Human Rights Act 1998 
• Modern Slavery Act 2015 

2. Ethics and financial compliance: Reducing fraud and corruption 

From avoiding insider trading to complying with anti-bribery laws, financial compliance training helps employees make ethical decisions and stay within legal boundaries. Regulations also mandate fraud prevention measures and strong whistleblower protections to safeguard businesses and their employees. 

Key Topics: 

• Anti-bribery and corruption 
• Insider trading and financial conduct  
• Anti-money laundering 
• Fraud detection and whistleblower protections 
• Conflicts of interest and risk management 

Common Regulations: 

• Bribery Act 2010 
• Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 
• Fraud Act 2006 
• Money Laundering Regulations (AML) 2017 
• The Criminal Finances Act 2017 

3. Data privacy and Cybersecurity: Protecting sensitive information 

As cyber threats increase, companies need to equip employees with the skills to protect sensitive data. Regulations require strict data protection measures to prevent breaches and uphold consumer privacy. 

Key Topics: 

• Mitigating cybersecurity threats 
• Phishing and social engineering awareness 
• Multi-factor authentication 
• Incident reporting and management 
• GDPR and UK GDPR 

Common Regulations: 

• UK GDPR 
• Data Protection Act 2018 
• Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) 2003 
• Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations 2018 
• Freedom of Information Act 2000 

4. Workplace health and safety: Meeting OSHA standards 

From fire safety to emergency preparedness, workplace safety training ensures employees can identify hazards and respond effectively in crises. OSHA regulations set the foundation for workplace safety, requiring training on topics like ergonomics, first aid, and proper equipment handling. 

Key Topics: 

• Workplace fire safety 
• Emergency action plans 
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) 
• First aid and CPR certification 
• Ergonomics 

Common Regulations: 

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) 
• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 
• Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 
• Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations 1992 

Compliance training doesn’t have to be clunky or complicated. The smarter way? One subscription that pulls trusted content from hundreds of providers into one place—always current, always compliant. No more chasing down vendors or wondering if your team’s training is up to date. With streamlined reporting and built-in integrations, Go1 makes staying audit-ready the easiest part of your job. 

To go a step further, check out our downloadable UK Regulation Guide for a simple guide to key UK compliance regulations with Go1's recommended training content.

Disclaimer: This publication is intended only to provide a summary and general overview of matters of interest. It is not intended to be comprehensive, nor does it constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. We attempt to ensure that the publication is current, but we do not guarantee its currency or accuracy. You should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the information to verify its accuracy, completeness, and relevance to your situation. We are not responsible to you or anyone else for any loss suffered in connection with the use of this publication.