Supporting colleagues affected by sexual misconduct
Everyone has the right to work, train and live free from sexual misconduct, harassment, abuse or violence. No one should experience this in the workplace and we must ensure the NHS is a place of safety for everyone.
NHS England’s first ever sexual safety charter was published in 2023. It was developed in collaboration with key partners across the healthcare system. All trusts and integrated care boards have signed up to it.
Signatories to this charter commit to taking and enforcing a zero-tolerance approach to any unwanted, inappropriate and/or harmful sexual behaviours within the workplace, and to 10 core principles and actions to help achieve this.
To report an incident of sexual misconduct
To raise a concern, we encourage you to follow your organisation’s sexual misconduct policy. We know that some organisations have included sexual harassment within their respect at work, bullying and harassment or grievance policies and we encourage you to use these policies to report sexual misconduct.
If you are struggling to locate the policy and you don’t know what your local reporting system is, please speak to a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian or your HR or people services department within your organisation. Find your organisation’s Freedom to Speak Up Guardian.
Your organisation may also have other services available like a Health and Wellbeing Champion who may be able to support you to make a report of sexual misconduct to your organisation. If you are a member of a trade union, they can also provide you with help and guidance.
NHS England has developed a new e-learning resource, designed to equip people working and learning in the NHS with the knowledge and skills to recognise and respond to sexual misconduct.
Support available if you are affected by sexual misconduct, harassment, abuse, or violence
Help after rape and sexual assault: the nhs.uk website provides helpful information about where to find support if you have experienced sexual assault and/or violence.
Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs): offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused. SARCs have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers.
ACAS: helpline for anyone experiencing workplace-related issues including sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment at work advice – Rights of Women – Rights of Women have free legal advice lines for women who have experienced domestic abuse, sexual violence and sexual harassment at work.
24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line (247sexualabusesupport.org.uk): this 24/7 helpline can provide immediate support if you have experienced sexual misconduct.
The HM Government website provides a list of support services for anyone who has experienced sexual violence and abuse. Call 0808 500 2222. They can also arrange access to an independent sexual violence advisor, as well as referrals to mental health support and voluntary sector sexual violence support services. If you’re struggling and need someone to talk to, you can also contact: Samaritans, LGBT Foundation
Galop supports LBGT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence.
Rape Crisis England and Wales: this 24/7 helpline can provide immediate support if you have experienced sexual misconduct. Further information is available on their rape crisis advice page ‘supporting a survivor’.
Rape Crisis Scotland: this 24/7 helpline that can provide immediate support if you have experienced sexual misconduct.
The Survivors Trust has 120 member organisations based in the UK and Ireland which provide specialist support for women, men and children who have survived rape, sexual violence or childhood sexual abuse. The Survivors Trust also has a free, confidential national helpline 0808 801 0818 or text: 07860 022 956 and a separate survivor resources website at https://tstresources.org/
SurvivorsUK supports male and non-binary survivors of sexual violence, providing counselling, practical help and community on your healing journey.
Victim Support provides independent, free and confidential advice to victims of crime.
Citizens Advice provide information about your legal rights in the workplace if you are experiencing sexual harassment. Equality and Human Rights Commission: technical guidance on sexual harassment and other forms of harassment at work.
Equality Advisory and Support Service: helpline to advise on issues related to equality and human rights
Information Commissioner’s Office: for information and advice on data protection.
Law Works: to find free advice, representation, and online resources.
Protect: free, confidential whistleblowing advice.
Recruitment and Employment Confederation: for information on recruitment practices and standards, including agency workers’ rights.
TUC represents affiliated trade unions. The TUC website provides guidance on workplace issues for workers and union representatives and has a trade union finder tool for those considering joining a trade union.
Surviving in Scrubs provide support, share survivor stories and campaign to end sexism, harassment, and sexual assault in the healthcare workforce.
General Medical Council: what to do if you think you have been subject to sexual misconduct by a doctor: a resource for patients and colleagues.
Health and Care Professions Council : sexual safety hub provides help and guidance about making a report to that organisation.
A list of support services on the Government’s website: for victims of sexual violence and abuse.
Getting help for domestic violence and abuse – nhs.uk provides practical advice and help to recognise the signs and where to get help.
National people sexual misconduct policy framework (NHS England)
NHS England sexual misconduct policy (NHS England)