About the masterclass
NHS Resolution’s Practitioner Performance Advice service is delivering a new specialist masterclass focused on the most complex and sensitive aspects of managing and investigating sexual safety concerns involving practitioners in the NHS.
The masterclass explores the challenges organisations face when responding to allegations of sexual misconduct and sexualised behaviour, drawing directly on learning from our casework and focuses on building case management and investigation capability. The session covers the complexities of case handling, drafting terms of reference, report writing, risk assessment and actions and coordination with external agencies, including the police, and provides practical insight, case-based learning and space for reflection on best practice. It is targeted at senior clinical and professional standards leaders including medical directors, responsible officers and chief people officers. It is intended that the NHSR Masterclass will meet the training requirements of specialist investigators as set out in ‘An update on actions to prevent sexual misconduct in the NHS (December 2025)’.
We have collaborated widely with stakeholders, including those with lived experience and those that support both organisations and practitioners, during the development of this masterclass and would like to thank them for their contributions which have helped us ensure the workshop is impactful and relevant.
This NHSR masterclass is distinct from NHSE’s Train the Trainer initiative focussed on sexual safety and investigations which is intended to equip people professionals with both subject expertise and the capability to train people professionals and investigators within their own organisations.
We will continue to work with NHSE to ensure messaging is complimentary in areas of overlap, for example, what good practice in drafting terms of reference looks like, particularly where they cross local and national policies.
Why we are delivering this masterclass
Data from Practitioner Performance Advice shows an increase in cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct over the past 10 years, alongside continued wider evidence of under‑reporting of experiences of sexual misconduct and inconsistent organisational responses.
Nationally, the 2025 NHS staff survey indicates that:
- around 1 in 12 NHS staff have experienced unwanted sexual behaviour from patients or members of the public;
- around 1 in 26 staff report similar experiences involving work colleagues.
Cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct often include:
- high levels of complexity and risk;
- evidence challenges;
- trauma for those involved;
- interfaces with regulators, the police and other external agencies.
This masterclass aligns with:
- the NHS England Sexual Safety Charter;
- the National Sexual Misconduct Policy Framework;
- NHS Resolution’s commitment to psychologically safe and compassionate learning environments.
We recognise that this topic may connect to personal experience. Sessions are facilitated carefully to promote psychological safety, respect and choice.
Who the masterclass is for
This is a specialist, senior‑level learning opportunity. It is not a general awareness session.
It is suitable for professionals who hold responsibility for managing or investigating concerns relating to sexual misconduct involving practitioners, including roles such as:
- Medical Directors
- Deputy / Assistant Medical Directors
- Responsible Officers
- HR Directors or Chief People Officers
- HR Business Partners
- Senior staff within Professional Standards or People functions
- Senior case managers and investigators
Previous experience of Practitioner Performance Advice training or direct case management experience is essential to enable delegates to fully engage with this session.
What we’ve delivered so far
London pilot – March 2026
In March 2026, NHS Resolution delivered a pilot Masterclass: Resolving Sexual Safety Allegations Involving Practitioners in London, bringing together senior leaders from across provider organisations and national stakeholder organisations.
The pilot helped us to:
- test and refine the content;
- ensure the learning environment was psychologically safe;
- confirm the demand for a national rollout of this specialist offer.
An excellent opportunity to focus on a vitally important area which is, quite rightly, gaining attention. Fascinating insights into case management and the important skills and knowledge needed to negotiate them safely.
Nick Parry, Consultant and Associate Medical Director, The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
Excellent day outlining the complexity of this area, giving skills to manage these cases and allowing discussion of the challenges.
Louise Buchanan, Medical Director, Professional Standards & Consultant Cardiologist, North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
Birmingham – May 2026
Following the pilot, we delivered the masterclass in Birmingham for the Midlands and East of England regions and received positive delegate feedback, which is included below.
This masterclass was excellent in developing more confidence in case investigation and report writing with alignment to current policy. Really good facilitators and good discussion in the group on a challenging sensitive topic.
Excellent meeting with a good balance between factual presentations and learning from cases. The facilitators were excellent and encouraged engagement from the delegates and learning from each other. Highly recommended.
Upcoming masterclass dates
The Masterclass: Resolving Sexual Safety Allegations Involving Practitioners is being delivered as a series of regional events across England. Events can only be attended by providers from within the specific region to ensure fair access.
Confirmed upcoming dates:
- Thursday 2 July 2026 – London
- Tuesday 29 September 2026 – North West (Manchester)
- Thursday 3 December 2026 – Leeds
- Tuesday 26 January 2027 – South West (Bristol)
- Thursday 18 March 2027 – North East & Yorkshire (Newcastle TBC)
Places are limited and events are promoted through targeted invitations due to the delegate audience.
Contact us
If you have questions about this masterclass or would like to discuss this further, please contact: nhsr.adviceeducation@nhs.net.
Resources and signposting
As part of the development of this masterclass, we have identified a range of supportive resources and signposting, which may be useful for Case Managers and/or Case Investigators. If you would like to share additional resources with us, please get in touch.
Page last updated on:
