In 2023, NHS England published the Sexual Safety Charter.
The charter was developed by NHS England, in collaboration with lived experience organisations, professional bodies, employers and partners across healthcare. The charter is about ensuring that the workplace is a safe place to work for all NHS staff and that patients are adequately protected. Where sexual misconduct does occur, organisations should:
- know how to support people who report it
- have policies in place to help staff and patients report it
- make sure investigations take place
These are the 10 Principles
- We will actively work to eradicate sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace.
- We will promote a culture that fosters openness and transparency and does not tolerate unwanted, harmful and/or inappropriate sexual behaviours.
- We will take an intersectional approach to the sexual safety of our workforce, recognising certain groups will experience sexual harassment and abuse as a disproportionate rate.
- We will provide appropriate support for those in our workforce who experience unwanted, inappropriate and/or harmful sexual behaviours.
- We will clearly communicate standards of behaviour. This includes expected action for those who witness inappropriate, unwanted and/or harmful sexual behaviour.
- We will ensure appropriate, specific, and clear policies are in place. They will include appropriate and timely action against alleged perpetrators.
- We will ensure appropriate, specific, and clear training is in place.
- We will ensure appropriate reporting mechanisms are in place for those experiencing these behaviours.
- We will take all reports seriously and appropriate and timely action will be taken in all cases.
- We will capture and share data on prevalence and staff experience transparently.
Chaperone
You may request a suitably trained chaperone for any procedure, test or examination.
Friends and family are not permitted to act as chaperones.
Please note – both male and female clinical team members work within the practice, if you have a preference, please ensure you discuss this when you book your appointment.
For more information, please speak to reception.