The NHS has launched its first-ever sexual safety charter intended to help protect staff.

More support will be provided to NHS staff who have suffered harassment or inappropriate behaviour.

The charter includes 10 pledges including commitments to give staff clear reporting mechanisms, training, and support.

Organisations across the health sector, including royal colleges are being urged to sign up to the framework.

Every NHS trust and local health system in England is also set to have a domestic abuse and sexual violence lead to support patients and staff to report incidents and access support.

NHS managers that sign up to the charter will receive extra training to improve awareness and ensure allegations are appropriately investigated.

Steve Russell, chief delivery officer at NHS England said: “As the biggest employer in Europe, it is right that the NHS takes a lead role in tackling sexual misconduct, violence, harassment, or abuse in the workplace.

“By signing up to this charter, NHS staff will now receive more support if they have suffered any form of misconduct, while workers will also receive further training so they can help colleagues and the patients they treat.

“NHS England is encouraging all healthcare organisations to sign up to its new sexual safety charter to ensure that a zero-tolerance approach is taken across the health sector”.

Danny Mortimer, chief executive of NHS Employers said: “Improving sexual safety in the workplace requires the collective efforts of all parts of the sector. NHS Employers is supporting the charter developed by NHS England as an important step forward in making a positive change for all of those working in the NHS.

“We will work with our members and trade union colleagues to support action to ensure reporting and addressing sexual harassment and misogyny”.