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Written question asked by Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Labour) on Friday, 8 September 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 13 September 2023 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Wednesday, 13 September 2023. A substantive answer was provided by Will Quince (Conservative) on Wednesday, 13 September 2023 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

NHS Trusts: Sexual Offences

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether NHS trusts are required to have a dedicated policy to deal with sexual assault and harassment.

Answer

National Health Service organisations are required to have a policy that deals with sexual misconduct.

In July 2022, NHS England established a Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Programme to build on safeguarding processes for protecting patients, improve victim support and focus on early intervention and prevention.

On 4 September 2023, NHS England launched the health service’s first sexual safety charter. As part of this charter, every NHS trust and local health system in England will have a domestic abuse and sexual violence lead to support patients and staff to report incidents and access support.

The charter also sets out to help protect staff from harassment and inappropriate behaviour. The charter is an agreement comprising of 10 pledges, including a commitment to provide staff with clear reporting mechanisms, training and support from managers.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
198541
Session
2022-23
Related items
NHS Trusts: Sexual Offences
Tuesday, 26 September 2023
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
NHS trusts Sexual offences
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk