The NHS has recently taken further steps to strengthen protections against sexual misconduct across healthcare settings. Last week, NHS England issued a letter to trusts and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) outlining new actions for all organisations delivering NHS care. These measures form part of the NHS’s ongoing commitment to creating a safe, respectful environment for both patients and staff.
For primary care providers, this update introduces important expectations that practices should now begin preparing for.
A Clear Commitment to Sexual Safety
At the centre of the update is the Sexual Safety Charter, a framework designed to establish a consistent approach across the NHS in preventing sexual misconduct.
Primary care providers are now expected to:
- Sign up to the 10 principles of the Sexual Safety Charter
- Complete a self-assurance checklist to demonstrate how these principles are being implemented in practice
The charter sets out the NHS’s ambition to ensure that every organisation providing NHS care maintains the same high standards when it comes to sexual safety. The principles emphasise a culture of openness, accountability, and proactive prevention.
The Role of Integrated Care Boards
Integrated Care Boards will play an important role in supporting primary care organisations with these expectations.
ICBs have been asked to engage with their local providers, offering guidance and support to help practices understand the charter and implement the principles effectively. This collaborative approach is intended to ensure that primary care teams are not facing these changes alone.
Updated Guidance on Chaperoning
Alongside the letter, NHS England has also provided supporting documentation aimed at improving chaperoning practices.
Chaperoning is an essential safeguard for both patients and clinicians, particularly during intimate examinations. The updated guidance helps ensure that:
- Chaperone policies are clear and consistently applied
- Staff understand their responsibilities
- Patients are informed of their rights to request a chaperone
- Practices maintain appropriate documentation and processes
Primary care providers are also encouraged to review their existing chaperone policies and training arrangements to ensure they align with the latest guidance.
Self-Assurance for Primary Care
A downloadable self-assurance checklist has also been made available for primary care providers. This tool is designed to help practices review their current arrangements, identify any gaps, and confirm that the charter’s principles are being embedded into day-to-day practice.
Completing the checklist will support organisations in demonstrating that appropriate safeguards, policies, and cultural expectations are in place.
What Practices Should Do Next
Primary care organisations may wish to begin by:
- Reviewing the 10 principles of the Sexual Safety Charter
- Completing the self-assurance checklist
- Reviewing or updating chaperone policies and staff training
- Engaging with their local ICB for guidance and support
These steps will help ensure practices are aligned with the NHS’s wider ambition to create safe environments for both patients and healthcare professionals.
Creating a Culture of Safety
Preventing sexual misconduct is not only about policies and procedures—it is also about fostering a culture where concerns can be raised, listened to, and acted upon.
The introduction of the Sexual Safety Charter reflects a growing recognition across the NHS that safety, respect, and accountability must be embedded across every part of the healthcare system, including primary care.
By taking proactive steps now, practices can help strengthen patient trust and contribute to a safer NHS for everyone.