Sexual safety support

At the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT), we are committed to the health, wellbeing and safety of patients, staff, visitors, contractors and members of public alike, be they in our hospitals or many community locations, including in homes where staff are providing patient care. Everyone has a right to feel safe, valued and respected as they carry out their work or give/receive care.

We are committed to creating an environment where inappropriate, unwanted and harmful sexual behaviours are not tolerated or ignored, regardless of who the perpetrator is, be that patients, visitors, or colleagues. We want individuals to feel confident to report their concerns, knowing that prompt action will be taken and that they will be supported.

The Trust's Sexual Misconduct policy

The Trust’s sexual misconduct policy sets out a framework to support colleagues, patients and visitors to understand and act on matters related to sexual harassment. It applies to all employees, patients, visitors, contractors and anyone working at a WSFT site, or delivering care in home settings.

Action we are taking

The Trust has signed the NHS England Sexual Safety in Healthcare Charter. This forms part of the Trust’s duty under the Worker Protection Act 2023, which included an amendment of the Equality Act 2010. This Act introduces a legal duty for the Trust to take reasonable steps to prevent the sexual harassment of their employees in the course of their employment.

The Charter outlines 10 principles and actions which the Trust has committed to meet. These are:

1. We will actively work to eradicate sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace.
2. We will promote a culture that fosters openness and transparency, and does not tolerate unwanted, harmful and/or inappropriate sexual behaviours.
3. We will take an intersectional approach to the sexual safety of our workforce, recognising certain groups will experience sexual harassment and abuse at a disproportionate rate.
4. We will provide appropriate support for those in our workforce who experience unwanted, inappropriate and/or harmful sexual behaviours.
5. We will clearly communicate standards of behaviour. This includes expected action for those who witness inappropriate, unwanted and/or harmful sexual behaviour.
6. We will ensure appropriate, specific, and clear policies are in place. They will include appropriate and timely action against alleged perpetrator.
7. We will ensure appropriate, specific, and clear training is in place.
8. We will ensure appropriate reporting mechanisms are in place for those experiencing these behaviours.
9. We will take all reports seriously and appropriate and timely action will be taken in all cases.
10. We will capture and share data on prevalence and staff experience transparently.

If you would like to know more about the work being undertaken on sexual safety, please contact Carol Steed, deputy director of workforce, organisational development and learning (carol.steed@wsh.nhs.uk).