1. Introduction
Sevenbrooks Medical Centre is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all staff, patients, learners, and visitors. In line with NHS England’s Sexual Safety Charter and national guidance, the practice adopts a zero tolerance approach to all forms of unwanted, inappropriate, or harmful sexual behaviour.
This commitment aligns with the NHS-wide effort to eradicate sexual harassment and abuse in healthcare settings. [foi.ghc.nhs.uk]
2. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Prevent sexual harassment, abuse, and misconduct.
- Promote a culture of openness, transparency, and safety.
- Provide clear reporting procedures for concerns or incidents.
- Ensure compliance with national standards and legal duties including the Worker Protection (Amendment of the Equality Act 2010) Act 2023. [nhsconfed.org]
3. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All employees of Sevenbrooks Medical Centre
- Locums, contractors, volunteers, and students
- Patients and visitors within the practice environment
Sexual safety includes unwanted sexual comments, jokes, advances, harassment, assault, sexualised behaviour, or any conduct that makes a person feel unsafe. [foi.ghc.nhs.uk]
4. Policy Principles
Sevenbrooks Medical Centre commits to the 10 principles of the NHS Sexual Safety Charter, including:
1. Eradicating sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace.
2. Promoting openness and transparency to ensure staff feel safe reporting issues.
3. Taking an intersectional approach, recognising that certain groups may be disproportionately affected.
4. Providing support for anyone experiencing sexual misconduct.
5. Clearly communicating expected behaviours.
6. Maintaining clear policies and timely action against alleged perpetrators.
7. Ensuring all staff receive appropriate and specific training.
8. Providing accessible reporting routes.
9. Taking all reports seriously, with timely action in each case.
10. Sharing data appropriately to improve practice. [foi.ghc.nhs.uk]
5. Responsibilities
5.1 Practice Leadership
Senior leaders, including the Practice Manager, are responsible for:
- Ensuring sexual safety measures are embedded throughout Sevenbrooks Medical Centre.
- Appointing a Sexual Safety Lead, required of primary care providers under NHS guidance. [pulsetoday.co.uk]
- Implementing clear governance and oversight processes. [england.nhs.uk]
5.2 All Staff
All staff members must:
- Maintain professional standards of behaviour.
- Challenge or report unacceptable conduct when safe to do so.
- Complete mandatory NHS sexual safety e learning. [pulsetoday.co.uk]
6. Training
Sevenbrooks Medical Centre will ensure:
- All staff complete the national sexual safety training modules.
- Additional training is provided for managers and the Sexual Safety Lead. [foi.ghc.nhs.uk]
7. Reporting Concerns
7.1 Reporting Pathways
Staff and patients can report concerns via:
- The Sexual Safety Lead – Toni Cooper
- Line Managers- Lindsay Walsh
- Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) Guardian contact routes [pulsetoday.co.uk]
- NHS England reporting requirements, and where appropriate, reporting to police or the CQC
Reports will always be taken seriously and reviewed promptly.
7.2 Confidentiality
All reports will be handled sensitively and confidentially, following NHS guidance for safe and appropriate information handling. [england.nhs.uk]
8. Support for Staff and Patients
The following support will be offered:
- Immediate safeguarding support where required
- Access to occupational health or external services
- Safe space for staff to discuss concerns
- Clear signposting to local and national support organisations
[england.nhs.uk]
9. Chaperone and Safeguarding Requirements
Sevenbrooks Medical Centre will:
- Maintain an up to date chaperone policy as required by NHS England. [pulsetoday.co.uk]
- Ensure safeguarding procedures for adults and children are followed in line with national NHS policy. [cpft.nhs.uk]
10. Governance and Monitoring
- Compliance with this policy will be reviewed annually.
- Data on sexual safety (non-identifiable) will be monitored and shared appropriately to improve organisational practice. [england.nhs.uk]
- The practice will complete the NHS self assurance checklist for sexual safety by required deadlines. [pulsetoday.co.uk]
11. Review
This policy will be reviewed every 12 months, or earlier if national guidance changes.
