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Homepage|About our Trust|Equality, Diversity and Inclusion|Sexual safety
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Sexual Safety at The Dudley Group

The Dudley Group takes all matters of sexual safety seriously, to include our colleagues, patients and visitors. We want to ensure that everyone feels safe and able to raise concerns if necessary whilst feeling fully supported by the Trust.

Taking action to reduce the risk across the organisation is key to ensuring the safety of our staff and eradicate unwarranted sexual misconduct.

The Trust signed up to the Sexual Safety in Healthcare Charter which was launched in September 2023 by NHS England. Work is currently ongoing within the organisation, with a sexual safety steering group leading on all actions, supported by our Trust executive team, with representatives from across the organisation.

 

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10 key actions

The Trust commits to the following 10 key actions, to include taking a zero-tolerance approach to any unwanted, inappropriate or harmful sexual behaviours in the workplace.

1. We will actively work to eradicate sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace.
2. We will promote a culture that fosters openness and transparency, and does not tolerate unwanted, harmful and/or inappropriate sexual behaviours.
3. 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.
4. We will provide appropriate support for those in our workforce who experience unwanted, inappropriate and/or harmful sexual behaviours.
5. We will clearly communicate standards of behaviour. This includes expected action for those who witness inappropriate, unwanted and/or harmful sexual behaviour.
6. We will ensure appropriate, specific, and clear policies are in place. They will include appropriate and timely action against alleged perpetrators.
7. We will ensure appropriate, specific, and clear training is in place.
8. We will ensure appropriate reporting mechanisms are in place for those experiencing these behaviours.
9. We will take all reports seriously and appropriate and timely action will be taken in all cases.
10. We will capture and share data on prevalence and staff experience transparently.
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Reporting issues of sexual safety

The Trust recognises that you may be feeling vulnerable at this moment, reaching out for support or to raise a concern takes an incredible amount of strength, at a time when you may be feeling less trusting of others. The Trust wants to reassure you that you will be supported through this challenging time and treated with compassion and respect.

There are a variety of ways to raise your concerns, via the following routes: