Association of Ambulance Chief Executives: Reducing misogyny and improving sexual safety in the ambulance service (2 October 2023)

Summary

The Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) and the Office of the Chief Allied Health Professions Officer (CAHPO) have launched three publications aimed at reducing misogyny and improving sexual safety in the ambulance service.

Content

Reducing misogyny and improving sexual safety in the ambulance service: What we know

There has been a significant focus on wellbeing and mental health within the ambulance service, with production of resources relevant to suicide prevention within the sector. While staff mental health and wellbeing is an issue with many factors contributing to this, one aspect of ambulance culture that has recently come into focus is that related to sexual safety.

This document outlines information gathered during the ‘discovery phase’ of the ‘Reducing Misogyny and Improving Sexual Safety in the Ambulance Service’ workstream.

Reducing misogyny and improving sexual safety in the ambulance service: A national consensus statement

This consensus statement sets out the shared commitment to lead meaningful reduction of misogyny and improvement of sexual safety across the ambulance sector, focusing on reducing harm caused by themes of misogyny through a learning approach to change, removing barriers to speaking up, accessing support, and embedding a culture of respect, understanding and safety.

Reducing misogyny and improving sexual safety in the ambulance service: Next steps

This document sets out the recommendations for action to reduce misogyny and improve sexual safety in the Ambulance Service. It takes forward the commitments made in the consensus statement, which are based on our findings from reviewing the available evidence and engaging with stakeholders.