New national people sexual misconduct policy framework
Building on the sexual safety charter published last year and signed up to by all Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and NHS trusts, NHS England has now published a new sexual misconduct national policy framework, policy and e-learning module. This will support employers in meeting their new legal duty under the Worker Protection Act 2023 to prevent the sexual harassment of staff.
The national framework and policy will help colleagues across the NHS to ensure that they are taking the right steps to recognise, report and prevent sexual misconduct. It introduces an option of anonymous reporting to make it easier for staff to come forward to report issues and provides a summary of the support available to staff.
The policy provides guidance for:
- organisations
- colleagues
- line managers
- human resources and operational development managers
- Freedom to Speak Up Guardians
- trade unions
- individuals in a leadership position
- domestic abuse and sexual violence (DASV) leads.
In addition, the new framework provides:
- information on internal and external support staff can access if they experience or witness sexual misconduct
- a flowchart to support staff in reporting an incident of sexual misconduct.
The new e-learning module will equip people working and learning in the NHS with the knowledge and skills to recognise and respond to sexual misconduct.
Find out more information and access the NHS England guidance.
Join the Health and Care Women Leaders Network, a free network for women in the NHS and broader health and social care sector. Find out about their annual conference Women in Health and Care: Innovating for Impact taking place on 11 December in Leeds, the conference includes a breakout session on sexual safety.
