Everyone has the right to feel safe from sexual harm. No one should ever feel uncomfortable, frightened, or intimidated in a sexual way by colleagues or members of the public. We are committed to creating an environment where sexual safety, dignity, and respect are upheld at all times.

We do not tolerate sexual harassment, harmful language, behaviour, or attitudes. Sexual harassment can affect people of all genders and sexualities, and any form of it is unacceptable.

Under the Equality Act 2010 (Section 26), sexual harassment is defined as unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.

Our commitment

We are committed to:

• Challenging and addressing sexual harassment, intimidation, and harmful behaviour

• Never ignoring, excusing, or remaining silent about sexual violence or harassment

• Listening to, believing, and supporting those who raise concerns

• Taking all disclosures seriously and responding appropriately

Our expectations

We expect everyone to:

• Be mindful of how their behaviour and language may affect others and respect boundaries

• Speak up when witnessing sexual harassment or abuse

• Understand that all intimate relationships must be based on mutual consent and never involve coercion or abuse of trust

Support and reporting

Support is available through line managers, Freedom to Speak Up Guardians, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead, and Staff Networks.