On 4 September 2023, NHS England launched its first-ever sexual safety charter in collaboration with key partners across the healthcare system, taking and enforcing a zero-tolerance approach to any unwanted, inappropriate and/or harmful sexual behaviours within the workplace. The Sexual Safety Charter was launched following reports of the prevalence of Sexual Misconduct within the healthcare sector.
SWB takes all matters of sexual safety seriously for our staff, patients and visitors. We will take measures to reduce the risk across our organisation to ensure the safety of our staff and to eradicate unwarranted sexual safety. Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust has committed to implementing all ten principles, working with our Women’s Network, trade unions and Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) team.
The following actions that have been taken since the launch of the charter:
- Centralised reporting mechanism, within the FTSU portal with advice and guidance provided by FTSU guardian/FTSU team.
- Pastoral care provisions, through Occupational Health (OH).
- Processes for onward referrals to the HORIZON Centre (Sexual Assault Referral Centre), via the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team, Wellbeing Team and FTSU guardian/FTSU team.
- A bespoke ‘First Disclosure’ training programme was developed, with 40 colleagues having completed the training to date. These staff, including clinical and non-clinical staff, now have specialist skills in a trauma informed approach to supporting victims of sexual assault and/or harassment. Additionally, a “Train the Trainer” module is ready for delivery to 10 staff across the Trust, to provide additional capacity to deal with first disclosures.
- The NHSE learning module will also be rolled-out in phases, post policy approval.
- A Sexual Safety Review Group will be convened from the Sexual Safety Leads (FTSU Guardian, Head of EDI, Domestic Violence Lead and Safeguarding midwife) to assess all reported concerns related to sexual safety and to identify and implement any lessons learned. This Sexual Safety Review Group will feedback into FTSU Steering Group and with governance through People Committee and ultimately upward reporting to the Trust Board.
- A Sexual Safety Policy has been developed in accordance with NHS England requirements and is currently progressing through the Trust’s formal approval process.
- An Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) has been completed to support the implementation of the Sexual Safety Policy.
- Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) are in place for patient related incidents, from the date of launching the policy, these ISVAs will also support staff who are victims of sexual assault, as part of the Trust’s enhanced staff support offer.
- The Sexual Safety Policy is planned for ratification by the Trust JCNC in December 2025.
The next steps for Implementing the Sexual Safety Charter are:
- A communications and implementation plan has been developed, pending policy ratification.
- A Sexual Safety portal has been developed, as a component of the FTSU portal, this will ‘go live; following ratification of the Policy.
- Line manager briefings will take place following policy ratification and launch.
- Sexual safety concerns will be integrated into board and committee reports.