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Respect and safety at work

CNTW has signed up to the Sexual Safety in Healthcare – Organisational Charter. The charter has been developed by NHS England, lived experience organisations, professional bodies, employers and partners across healthcare.

Sexual safety at work

Those who work, train and learn within the healthcare system 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.

Our commitment

As an organisation, we are committed to ensuring the NHS is a safe space for all staff and we have signed up to the following principles and actions to achieve this:

  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.

These commitments will apply to everyone in our organisation equally. Where any of the above is not currently in place, we commit to work towards ensuring it is in place.

How can you report sexual misconduct?

You can report your experience, or you can ask the person you have disclosed to (e.g. a colleague) to do this for you. You can also report witnessing sexual misconduct.

There are different ways to report what you have experienced or witnessed. You can report to:

  • Speak to Your Line Manager – If you feel safe doing so, report concerns directly.
  • Workforce Department – Provides guidance on policies, investigations, and procedures.
  • Freedom to Speak Up Guardians – Independent advisors who can help you raise concerns confidentially.
  • Trade Unions & Staff Networks – Additional support and advocacy.

Support Services Available

  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – Provides confidential advice and support. Can be contacted on 0800 023 9324, available 24/7, 365 days a year.
  • External Helplines & Charities – For specialist support outside of the workplace (see further support services section below)

Further support services

Bi Survivors Network are a group of bisexual survivors facilitating peer-led, online support groups for survivors of sexual and/or domestic violence/abuse.

Galop support the LGBT+ community and have experienced sexual assault, abuse or violence.

Man Kind supports people who self-identify as male who are affected by unwanted sexual experiences.

NAPAC (National Association for People Abused in Childhood) offers support to adults who have experienced of all types of childhood abuse, including physical, sexual and emotional abuse or neglect.

One In Four supporting people who have experienced sexual violence and abuse.

Rape Crisis provide specialist information and support to all those affected by rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and all other forms of sexual violence and abuse in England and Wales.

Respond support services to people with learning disabilities, autism or both who have experience abuse, violence or trauma.

Safeline provides specialist, tailored support for anyone affected by or at risk of sexual abuse and rape, that empowers them to make choices about the lives they want and helps prevent abuse.

SARSAS support for people affected by rape or any kind of sexual assault or abuse at any time in their lives.

Southall Black Sisters is a support service for black and minoritised women who have experienced sexual violence.

The Survivors Trust work with people of all ages, all genders, of all forms of sexual violence, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, including support for partners and family members.

Survivors UK provide a national online helpline, individual and group counselling for boys, men and non-binary people aged 13+ who have experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives.

Stop It Now provides support for people who have concerns that they may commit sexual abuse or sexual violence or are concerned about another person’s behaviour, or a child’s behaviour.

Rights of Women offer support services providing free legal advice for women in the UK who are experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace.