Sexual Harassment and Misconduct
What is sexual misconduct?
Sexual misconduct refers to unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that violates dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading or offensive environment. It may occur between colleagues, between staff and patients or from third parties.
Examples include:
- Sexual harassment
- Inappropriate comments or jokes
- Unwanted physical contact
- Sexual advances
- Sharing explicit material
- Abuse of professional boundaries
- Sexual assault
Understanding consent
Consent means that both people freely agree by choice and have the freedom and capacity to make that decision when engaging in sexual activity.
Consent must be ongoing. A person has the right to say no or stop at any time, and if someone’s ability to give consent becomes impaired, consent should be considered withdrawn.
A person cannot give consent if they are:
- Threatened with violence or subjected to violence
- Asleep, unconscious, drugged or otherwise incapacitated
- Unable to communicate consent due to a disability
- Unable to understand or make the decision due to mental capacity reasons
Watch this short animation explaining consent using the analogy of a cup of tea:
Reporting sexual harassment or misconduct
If you experience or witness sexual harassment or sexual misconduct, we encourage you to speak up. Concerns can be raised and support is available throughout the process.
Informal advice
If you would like to speak to someone informally about your experience, you can contact our Helpdesk confidentially. The team will provide advice and direct you to the most appropriate support or reporting route.
Email: lead.employer@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk
Telephone: 0151 478 7777
Raising a concern
You can raise a concern via our raising concerns form which allows you to outline the issue and ensure it is directed to the relevant team for review.
To raise your concerns formally, submit these in writing to your host placement contact and Lead Employer, detailing the nature of the complaint, in accordance with the respect and dignity at work policy.
All reports will be taken seriously and handled sensitively and confidentially.
Training and learning
We are committed to ensuring that all staff understand professional boundaries and are able to recognise, prevent and respond to sexual harassment and misconduct.
Key training and learning resources include:
- Understanding sexual misconduct in the workplace training – e-learning for healthcare
- Safeguarding training - e-learning for healthcare
- Equality, diversity and human rights training - e-learning for healthcare
Professional standards and behaviour guidance from healthcare regulators:
Resources and guidance
Further information and national guidance relating to sexual safety and workplace behaviour can be accessed through the following resources:
You can also find additional guidance and internal support:
- Raising concerns policy
- Respect and dignity at work policy
- Resolution and grievance policy
- Acas code of practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures
- Lead Employer wellbeing offering
There are also external organisations that advocate for a safe working environment, specifically championing doctors in training.