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This conference focuses Improving Sexual Safety on Mental Health Wards in response to recent investigation uncovering nearly 20,000 complaints of sexual assault, abuse and harassment across numerous NHS Trusts.
The conference will provide national updates and practical case studies from NHS Trusts that have tackled this issue in practice. We will delve into preventative measures, effective reporting procedures and legal considerations from leading professionals working together to make mental health wards a safer space for patients and staff.
“At least 19,899 sexual incidents were reported across more than 30 NHS trusts between 2019 and November 2023 – including staff assaults on patients and patients assaulting other patients … Just six out of 50 hospitals were able to prove they were meeting NHS standards aimed at protecting patients from sexual harm”
The Independent, January 2024
“It is unacceptable that so few NHS trusts in England provide active bystander training when it is proven to equip staff to tackle harassment and violence when they see it. The NHS needs to ensure all staff complete active bystander training from the very first days of undergraduate degrees through to those nearing retirement. Without this, the problems of sexual harassment will continue to be a problem in the NHS and across wider society.”
Dr Sarah Steele, Senior Research Associate, University of Cambridge, 2023
“It is deeply troubling to see that so many incidents in mental health settings go unreported. Everyone who is a victim of sexual assault should be supported to come forward, regardless of whether they are a patient or member of staff and irrespective of who the perpetrator is.”
Dr Lade Smith CBE, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, January 2024
This conference will enable you to:
Network with colleagues who are working to improve Sexual Safety on Mental Health Wards
Reflect on the Lived Experience in Training, educating and empowering frontline staff to keep patients safe from unwanted sexual behaviour
Learn from outstanding practice in promoting the sexual safety of people using the service
Understand the impact of abuse and negligence to report wrongdoings
Develop your skills in raising awareness and increasing staff confident to address sexual safety
Improve your understanding of how to respond to sexual safety incidents of varying severity
Reflect on national developments and learn from the latest professional guidance and standards
Improve the way you work in partnership with the police
Develop your skills in risk assessment, root cause analysis and investigation
Understand your impact on changing organisation culture
Identify key strategies for creating a culture of co-production, partnership and collaboration
Self assess and reflect on your own practice
Supports CPD professional development and acts as revalidation evidence. This course provides 5 Hrs training for CPD subject to peer group approval for revalidation purposes
