Sexual Safety Charter

In October 2023, we joined the NHS Sexual Safety Charter.

The Charter Principles

The 10 principles of the charter are as follows:

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 perpetrators.

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.

Lead Employer, as part of the MWL Trust is working to implement the principles of the charter by Summer 2024 in line with the NHS guidelines.

Staff Sexual Safety Pledge

All trainees and hosts have a responsibility to work towards eradicating all forms of sexual misconduct, violence, harassment and assault in the workplace, and to ensuring the culture, values and behaviours of those who work or visit our hospitals and sites are maintained to create an environment of sexual safety, an environment where people feel safe to speak up when concerns arise and an environment where all are supported where they have been impacted by inappropriate behaviour.

Sexual safety is everybody’s business, I pledge:

I will personally role model behaviours that promote a sexual safety culture and working environment for all of my colleagues and patients.

I will not engage in any behaviour that could be considered sexist, misogynistic, sexual harassment or sexual misconduct.

I will promote a culture that fosters openness and transparency, encouraging and supporting the reporting of unwanted, harmful and/or inappropriate sexual behaviours.

I will take personal responsibility for learning about what constitutes unwanted behaviours that are sexist, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct; completing all relevant training and development.

I recognise that different groups experience sexism, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct differently, based on their age, culture, lived experiences, job roles and seniority.

I will ensure that I understand the Trusts values and behaviours; policies on sexism, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct; and the methods available to staff to raise a concern or complaint.

I will provide appropriate support to all colleagues who experience sexism, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct; as well as sign posting to relevant support available.

I will report all instances of sexism, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct that I experience personally, or that I witness.

I will take all reports of sexism, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct seriously and take appropriate and timely action. If accused on inappropriate behaviour I will be honest and transparent, and open to learning from the situation.

SIGN the sexual safety pledge h ere