Peer learning event, held on 4 February 2025.

As of 26 October 2024, employers have a duty to take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment towards their employees under the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023. 

During this interactive online peer learning event, chaired by Professor Carrie Newlands, consultant surgeon and lead for clinical skills, School of Medicine, University of Surrey:

• Andrew Davidson, National head of employment for Hempsons, provided an overview of the of changes to the legal duties on employers, clarifying the risk of inaction a for trust leaders in response to the strengthened legal duties.
• Bron Biddle, sexual safety lead for the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, shared insights from current work in the ambulance sector including some actionable insights for providers including on the role of trust leaders.
• Facilitated peer learning discussions reflected on how others are navigating the challenges; with an opportunity to network and learn about what good looks like in this space.
  
  

Additional resources:

• Watch the presentations:

• Presentation slides
• Download the full event summary
• Updated guidance on sexual harassment, from the Equality and Human Rights Commission which sets out the steps employers should take in light of this new duty
  
  

Further resources from NHS England

• A sexual safety charter assurance frameworkwhich sets out the outcomes from each principle in the charter and actions that would assure their delivery.
• NHS England’s internal sexual misconduct policyas an example of good practice.
• An e-learning module on understanding sexual misconduct in the workplace, which can be accessed via the NHS learning hub.