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‘Cover-ups’ leave staff scared to report sexual safety concerns
A trust’s staff “fear raising concerns about attitudes, behaviours and sexual safety”, particularly about senior managers and doctors, a review by NHS England has found.
Black Country Healthcare Foundation Trust’s “Freedom to Speak Up” arrangements have been reviewed by NHSE, following a series of cultural concerns and the departure of multiple senior directors.
The review, published in board papers this month, said: “We consistently heard that staff feel that ‘cover-ups’ take place and raising a concern sometimes feels like ‘reporting a friend to a friend’.”
Staff gave recent examples of where they had experienced, or seen others experience, “disadvantageous and demeaning treatment” after raising concerns.
Examples of this included inconsistent application of HR policies such as annual leave and flexible working to disadvantage the person raising concerns, unkind and unprofessional behaviour by senior staff members such as ignoring individuals, and not including them in conversations.
Others said they did not want to raise concerns for fear of detriment, such as bank staff members who thought they would not be given shifts.
Some staff felt as if they had a “target on their back” after speaking up.
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Source: HSJ, 10 February 2026
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