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This conference focuses on 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.
“Sexual safety is not just a policy aspiration, it’s a fundamental right for everyone in our care.”
Dr Sarah Steele, Experienced Policy Advisor and Public Health Expert, June 2025
“It is clear there is continued failure to protect both patients and staff. We need to see immediate action from employers, the government and justice system if we want to truly address this issue of sexual violence in hospitals.”
Amit Kochhar, Representative Body Chair, British Medical Association, March 2026
“Sexual assault is unacceptable and all reports are taken seriously, with clear systems in place to ensure they are quickly recorded and investigated. Staff have a professional duty to raise concerns, and we have worked extensively to build a culture that encourages both colleagues and patients to report issues.”
Paul Scott, Chief Executive of Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, February 2026
“The risks associated with sexual safety have become increasingly apparent in recent years. The investigation was told by managers that workforce challenges meant patients may not always be supported or protected from harm. They described examples where workforce shortages had meant staff had not been able to observe patients and intervene, and where limited recognition or understanding of the risks associated with sexual safety had contributed to incidents”
Mental health inpatient settings: Creating conditions for the delivery of safe and therapeutic care to adults HSSIB report
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
