NHS England (NHSE) has launched a package of support to help staff report sexual misconduct at work, including an anonymous form.

And it urged contractors to adopt and adapt its policy framework, as legal changes come into force this month requiring employers to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment.

But NHSE confirmed to The Pharmacist that it would be up to each practice, primary care network (PCN) or community pharmacy employer to decide whether to adopt the policy and establish the necessary support, training, and monitoring mechanisms as set out in the framework.

Lourette Philips, president of the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA)'s National Association of Women Pharmacists (NAWP), has called for the NHS to use its position as commissioner to ensure its approach to sexual harassment is a 'condition' of contractors.

NHSE: 'A serious commitment to stamping out this horrendous behaviour'

Commenting on the NHSE policy launch, NHSE chief executive Amanda Pritchard said that any experience of sexual abuse or misconduct at work was 'extremely distressing and isolating'.

'We must do everything in our power to ensure our staff feel able to speak up, and have absolute confidence that they will be given the support they need when they do,' she said.

And she said the new package of support marked NHSE's 'serious commitment to stamping out this horrendous behaviour.'

'There is absolutely no place for sexual misconduct or abuse of any kind within the NHS – a place where staff come to work every day to provide compassionate care and support to others, and we know that women are more likely to be affected – this is unacceptable, and we must not tolerate it,' she added.

'While this is just one of the first steps to ending harmful sexual behaviour in the NHS, and more action is needed, I strongly encourage every leader across the NHS to look at how they adopt these measures from today, to ensure that when our staff come to work, they feel safe and supported – together we can make a difference.'

NHSE clarified that the policy covers sexual misconduct connected to work or the workplace, including sexual misconduct taking place on NHS premises or elsewhere, such as virtual or physical environments that may not always be a designated workplace. It said this could include:

  • sexual comments or jokes
  • unwanted touching or kissing
  • showing sexual pictures
  • staring at someone in a sexual way
  • asking personal questions about someone’s sex life
  • sexual assault or rape

PDA: NHSE should ensure approach adopted by contractors

Ms Philips welcomed the legal changes that she said 'will encourage the most silent and afraid victims to come forward, reassuring them that their incident will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated and that there will be no repercussions'.

And she said that 'employers and managers should lead by setting a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment'.

However, she called for the NHS to use its position as the commissioner of contracts for services provided by other organisations to ensure its approach to sexual harassment also happens there.

For instance, she suggested that it could be made a condition of contracts with hospitals, GP practices, or community pharmacy.

Ms Philips also highlighted the need for all staff, not just victims of sexual harassment, to 'look out for each other and report any incidents'.

'Everyone should encourage workplace cultures where such conduct is unacceptable,' she said.

And she stressed that 'any individual can fall victim to sexual harassment'.

In a previous conversation with The Pharmacist, she highlighted particular vulnerabilities around the isolated setting of community pharmacy, or among newer pharmacists or trainees who might feel less confident in speaking up.

And she suggested that all colleagues could play a part in challenging behaviour and explaining what may be inappropriate.

GPhC: Sexual misconduct often 'incompatible with continued registration'

Speaking to The Pharmacist more generally about the issue of sexual harassment earlier this month, chief enforcement officer at the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Dionne Spence said the regulator took allegations of a sexual nature 'very seriously'.

'Sexual misconduct – whatever the circumstances – undermines public trust in the profession and can present a significant and immediate risk to patient safety.

'Acts of sexual misconduct are so serious that they will often be incompatible with continued registration as a pharmacist or pharmacy technician.

'It is important that people are supported to promptly report incidents of this nature so that robust action can be quickly taken, including by law enforcement.'

And the GPhC highlighted its specific guidance on maintaining clear sexual boundaries, as well as its guidance on fitness to practise hearings and outcomes.

Meanwhile, GPhC chief executive Duncan Rudkin said this week that managers and leaders must listen to and learn from concerns raised by pharmacists.

RPS: 'Safe and supportive' workplace 'essential'

Meanwhile, Tase Oputu, England board chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), said it was 'essential' for all healthcare staff to be able to work 'in a safe and supportive environment, free from any form of harassment or misconduct'.

'No one should ever face such behaviour at work, and a zero tolerance approach should be taken. It’s important for those who experience or witness sexual misconduct to report it through the system without fear of reprisal, to help protect the safety and wellbeing of all staff,' she added.