The Trust is a signatory of the NHS Sexual Safety Charter. As signatories to this charter, we commit to a zero-tolerance approach to any unwanted, inappropriate and/or harmful sexual behaviours towards our workforce.
Those who work, train and learn within our Trust have the right to be safe and feel supported at work. We need to work together and individually to tackle unwanted, inappropriate and/or harmful sexual behaviour in the workplace. We all have a responsibility to ourselves and our colleagues and must act if we witness these behaviours.
The NHS England Sexual Safety Charter states that:
- 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 at 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.
The Trust has collaborated with RASA Merseyside (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support) to develop a comprehensive training program and resources to ensure we are providing a safe and supportive environment for all employees.
To see our FAQs please click here.
We have developed a face to face training session in conjunction with RASA (Rape and Sexual Assault Service Merseyside) to support line managers on how to tackle sexual misconduct in the workplace. The training will explore the different impacts of sexual harassment in the workplace, the reasons why a person may not disclose what has happened, and how to get help and support if a person has either been a victim of sexual harassment, or has witnessed it. Participants will be introduced to active bystander interventions, and will develop confidence in responding to sexual harassment.
The Sexual Safety training can be found under Health and Wellbeing courses on ESR. For more information (including dates and times) and to book on please click here.