Summary
New legislation to help prevent incidents of sexual harassment in the workplace to take effect from October 2024.
From 26 October, 2024 all employers will have a duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of their workforce, including by third parties.
This follows changes to the Worker Protection Act 2023 (Amendment of Equality Act 2010). Which shifts the duty from redress to prevention, meaning employers now have to take proactive steps to prevent sexual harassment.
In September 2023 NHS England committed to the eradication of sexual harassment in the workplace when it launched its first ever sexual safety in healthcare organisational charter. This followed several high-profile reports of sexual assault, harassment and abuse in the NHS.
The sexual safety in healthcare charter asks NHS employers and partners across the healthcare system to commit to enforcing a zero-tolerance approach to any unwanted, inappropriate and/or harmful sexual behaviours towards the workforce.
The charter includes 10 core principals and actions which NHS providers are required to commit to.
More than 300 domestic abuse and sexual violence leads (DASV) have also been appointed to review and improve policies for reporting of sexual harassment in NHS organisations.
Following the upcoming changes to the Worker Protection Act 2023 (Amendment of Equality Act 2010), Greater Manchester DASV leads are working together to share good practice, identify issues, and ensure that there are robust sexual safety polices across GM to ensure compliance with the new legislation.
If you would like further information about the DASV programme of work across GM, please contact Andrea Patel: andrea.patel@nhs.net
You can read more about the sexual safety organisational charter on the NHS England website.
GM primary care providers requiring further support or guidance on the legislation changes can contact Lynn Marsland, GMPCB lead for HR, OD and Workforce: lynn.marsland1@nhs.net
