Report and support
Reporting a sexual safety incident
We understand how difficult it can be to tell someone about a sexual assault or incident. Please communicate with another colleague that you trust as soon as possible.
If ever anyone makes you feel uncomfortable and you feel that they have breached your sexual safety, we would like you to report it because this behaviour is wrong. It may also be an offence under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and a breach of the Trust’s Code of Conduct and Professional Codes of Conduct. You may feel extremely upset about what has happened. You might feel too frightened or upset to speak directly to the person concerned, but you have several options:
- 999 in an emergency if you are in immediate danger or harm. If you are on a mobile but you cannot speak you can press 55.
- Tell a manager or talk to Freedom to Speak Up Guardian by emailing kerry.bosworth@nhs.net or calling 07788 224490, or Freedom to Speak Up Champion.
- Search 'Freedom to Speak up' on the intranet to find a Freedom to Speak Up Champion.
Wellbeing and emotional support
Experiences related to your own or others sexual safety can affect you psychologically. VIVUP, our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), can listen and help you to process events as well as support you with counselling. These discussions do not get reported back to the Trust.
Call 03303 800 658 for free, confidential support, available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Disciplinary for perpetrator
The Sexual Safety Policy will be used in conjunction with the Trust’s Disciplinary Policy and other relevant Trust Policies (where applicable).
Where allegations are made against a Trust colleague, a fact-find will be conducted, to try and understand the facts of the case.
Following a fact-find, the findings will be shared with the appropriate Case Manager to determine the next steps. This may include a formal investigation.
