NHS gives nurses option to anonymously report sexual misconduct

As of today, trusts can opt into a new framework which improves the way sexual harassment, assault and or other similar incidents can be reported.

“We must do everything in our power to ensure our staff feel able to speak up”

Amanda Pritchard

Chief among the features of the framework is the anonymous reporting tool.

Nurses, and other NHS staff, who do not feel comfortable sharing their personal details with their bosses when they experience sexual misconduct will now be able to report it via an anonymous form which will still trigger a formal investigation process.

As part of this framework, line managers and human resources departments in NHS trusts will also be able to access safeguarding experts and those with lived experience in sexual misconduct to assist in supporting the complainant and investigating.

Staff subject to sexual abuse, the framework states, can be offered special leave and other reasonable adjustments if it is needed.

NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard said she hoped the tool would make reporting incidents easier.

“For anyone who has experienced sexual abuse or misconduct at work, it is an extremely distressing and isolating experience,” said Ms Pritchard.

“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.”

The launch of the tool comes following the results of the 2023-24 NHS staff survey, which showed that around one in eight (58,000) workers had experienced unwanted sexual behaviour in the last 12 months in England.

Meanwhile, a major Nursing Times investigation in 2021 found that 60% of nursing staff and students surveyed had experienced sexual harassment at work – but only 27% had reported it to their employer.

As well as the reporting tool, the framework also contains guidance on conducting investigations into sexual misconduct.

This guidance recommends that a “specialist review group” is formed to look into the complaint and that independent investigators can be used.

The framework outlines what support should be offered to a complainant following a report, including access to new “specially trained allies”.

New training will be provided to Freedom to Speak Up Guardians on supporting people after they have experienced sexual misconduct.

NHS staff will also be encouraged to complete training on recognising sexual misconduct and responding to disclosures, NHS England said.

Executive board members of a trust, under the framework, will be expected to monitor data on sexual misconduct.

“We hope these will increase awareness of sexual safety and empower staff”

Becky Cox

Ms Pritchard continued: “This new national policy will help colleagues right across the NHS to ensure they are taking 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.

“There is absolutely no place for sexual misconduct or abuse of any kind within the NHS – a place where staff come to work every day to provide compassionate care and support to others, and we know that women are more likely to be affected – this is unacceptable, and we must not tolerate it.”

The NHS England boss said, however, that “more action is needed” on sexual misconduct, and suggested that the framework should be the minimum that trusts are doing to support staff on this issue.

Workforce campaigners and health leaders alike have welcomed the launch of the tool.

Dr Becky Cox, co-founder of sexual misconduct and sexism victim charity Surviving in Scrubs, said she was “delighted” to see it be implemented.

She added: “These resources form the groundwork for any responsible healthcare organisation seeking to address the issue of sexual safety for their staff.

“We hope these will increase awareness of sexual safety and empower staff with the tools to support survivors and hold perpetrators to account.”

NHS Providers deputy chief executive Saffron Cordery said: “Anonymous reporting and robust data on unwanted, inappropriate and harmful sexual behaviours in the NHS are essential.

“We welcome the government’s recognition of the need to introduce further pathways for triggering investigations into sexual misconduct.

“The welfare of both staff and patients are interwoven and an NHS in which staff are supported and safe enables workplace cultures where high quality, safe care can be delivered to patients.”