In 2023, NHS England took a monumental step by launching the sexual safety in healthcare charter,  now signed by our ICB. This milestone is pivotal in addressing inappropriate behaviours and ensuring our colleagues receive the support they need.

Building on this, NHS England has introduced the first-ever public sector national NHS England sexual misconduct policy to tackle and respond to sexual misconduct at work. Alongside a new NHS England sexual misconduct policy, The ICB has a Sexual Safety Policy to ensure that any staff member experiencing inappropriate or harmful sexual behaviours at work is supported by their employer, and everyone is equipped to handle disclosures of sexual misconduct effectively. The ICB has a ‘zero tolerance’ position on domestic abuse and has a Domestic Abuse Policy. The ICB is committed to ensuring that any employee who is the victim of domestic abuse has the right to raise the issue with their employer in the knowledge that they will receive appropriate understanding, support and assistance.

Starting from 26 October, a new legal duty under the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023. requires employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment. This is a significant move towards creating safer workplaces.

Addressing sexual misconduct demands that we challenge problematic behaviours and cultures, and it calls for strong leadership from all of us. A new e-learning module on understanding sexual misconduct in the workplace is now available providing useful information on what to do when approached for or engaged in a conversation involving a disclosure of workplace sexual misconduct. We’re asking all staff to familiarise yourselves with the national policy framework and take the opportunity to complete the e-learning package.

The training is available via ESR and can be accessed by searching ‘course’ and using the titles adjacent when in the ‘My Learning’ portal and then clicking ‘Enrol’.