Sexual safety in the NHS: launch of NHS sexual misconduct policy and training
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On behalf of the programme team, we’d firstly like to thank you for your commitment and expertise in supporting us throughout the year in the implementation of the sexual safety charter at NHS England.
The Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Programme team are pleased to share with you that NHS England has launched the first-ever public sector national guidance in tackling and responding to sexual misconduct at work.
In addition to a brand new NHS England sexual misconduct policy, NHS England has launched a new Sexual Misconduct Policy framework and supporting Assurance Framework for ICBs and trusts to adopt and adapt, ensuring that any member of staff who has experienced inappropriate and/or harmful sexual behaviours at work is supported by their employer.
From 26th October, there is a new legal duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment under the new Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023.
In order to meet the new legal duty, NHS England are also encouraging staff across the NHS to complete the new e-learning module on understanding sexual misconduct in the workplace which can be accessed here.
These products are all available here, including a letter sent to all organisations on the launch of the new guidance by our leadership team. We have also updated our website to highlight wider support available for colleagues affected by sexual misconduct.
For any further queries relating to NHS England’s work on domestic abuse and sexual violence, please contact the programme team: england.DomesticAbuseSexualViolence@nhs.net
This is a crucial opportunity for the NHS to ensure that all our staff know where to access support relating to sexual misconduct, and how to report an incident of sexual misconduct safely when it is experienced or witnessed.
Finally, we’d like to thank you for your unwavering support in helping us achieve this milestone for our colleagues.
Your sincerely,
Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Programme
With many thanks
Staff Experience, Engagement and EDI team
NHS England – SE Region
