Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust has become the latest employer to sign up to UNISON’s end violence at work charter, showing its commitment to protecting healthcare staff from abuse, assault and threatening behaviour, says the union today (Wednesday).
By signing the charter, the trust is demonstrating it has strong policies and procedures to safeguard employees and support them if they experience violence while working, says UNISON.
Employers must show they meet the charter’s standards in a number of areas. These include having clear systems to report and investigate incidents, collecting and monitoring data, and ensuring staff receive appropriate training.
UNISON South West regional secretary Kerry Baigent said: “No one should face violence or threats while simply doing their job. By signing, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust is sending a clear message to staff that their safety matters.”
UNISON Salisbury Health branch secretary Mark Wareham said: “Employees know first-hand how challenging and unpredictable working in the NHS can be. Having the right support systems in place makes a real difference and the trust has taken an important step.”
Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust chief people officer Melanie Whitfield said: “We are pleased to be able to sign this charter. The safety and wellbeing of our staff is a top priority. We have a number of initiatives in place to protect colleagues and to take action when they experience abuse of any sort.
“We welcome feedback from staff as we continue to improve how we support their wellbeing and safety at work.”
