NHS unveils new policy to combat sexual misconduct in the workplace

An anonymous reporting option allows NHS staff to report incidents of sexual misconduct without disclosing their identity  

As part of major plans to improve staff safety, the National Health Service (NHS) has unveiled a new policy aimed at tackling sexual misconduct within the health service.

The policy, which is now available for immediate adoption by local hospitals, outlines how those working in the health service should recognise, report and act on sexual misconduct in the workplace.

A key component of the support package is the introduction of an anonymous reporting option, allowing employees to report sexual abuse without having to disclose their names or personal details.

The framework also provides guidance for conducting investigations, which includes forming a specialist review group with access to subject matter experts and independent investigators.

NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard emphasised the importance of creating a supportive environment for staff, stating, “For anyone who has experienced sexual abuse or misconduct at work, it is an extremely distressing and isolating experience, and so we must do everything in our power to ensure our staff feel able to speak up, and have absolute confidence that they will be given the support they need when they do.”

Pritchard hopes that the new national policy will help NHS colleagues take the right steps in recognising, reporting and acting on sexual misconduct at work.

“By introducing the option of anonymous reporting, we are making it easier for staff to come forward to report issues – it marks our serious commitment to stamping out this horrendous behaviour,” she added.

She firmly stated that “there is absolutely no place for sexual misconduct or abuse of any kind within the NHS.”

“We know that women are more likely to be affected – this is unacceptable, and we must not tolerate it.”

However, Pritchard acknowledged that this is just one of the first steps to ending harmful sexual behaviour in the NHS, and that more action is needed.

Pritchard encourages leaders across the health service to adopt these measures to ensure that staff feel safe and supported.

The NHS noted that the policy has been developed in partnership with staff who have lived experience, trade unions, colleagues in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, academics experts, and system leaders.

It covers various forms of sexual misconduct connected to work or the workplace such as:

• sexual comments or jokes
• unwanted touching or kissing
• showing sexual pictures
• staring at someone in a sexual way
• asking personal questions about someone’s sex life
• sexual assault or rape

According to the 2023/24 NHS staff survey for England, one in eight workers—approximately 58,000—reported experiencing unwanted sexual behaviour in the past year, while one in 26 reported facing similar harassment from a colleague.