Posted 02 September 2021 - 17:57
Posted 02 September 2021 - 17:57
News
Sexual harassment allegations: RCN launches 24-hour helpline for its members and staff
Organisation pledges to ‘tackle the issues and behaviours that have no place in our college’
Organisation pledges to ‘tackle the issues and behaviours that have no place in our college’
The RCN has launched a confidential round-the-clock helpline for members and staff amid reports of sexual harassment at the organisation.
Last week it was announced that the college’s annual congress would move to an online-only event following ‘serious allegations of sexual harassment’.
Free helpline offers access to trained counsellors
The RCN has set up an independent help and support line for any members or staff who have been affected.
The free helpline on 0800 783 1157 is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Callers will speak to trained counsellors who can offer support, signpost them to resources and help them take forward any formal complaints.
Callers can ‘discuss any concerns about sexual harassment related to RCN activity’
RCN general secretary Pat Cullen said it was important that anyone affected by sexual harassment received the support they needed.
‘If you have been affected, it is important that you are listened to and helped to work through any actions you wish to take,’ she said.
‘This 0800 number will allow members or staff to discuss any concerns about sexual harassment related to RCN activity.’
She pledged that the college would take ‘all necessary steps’ to protect members and staff.
‘We must tackle the issues and behaviours that have no place in our college. We must demand better, for members and for the profession,’ she added.
RCN safeguarding policies and procedures to be reviewed
The RCN said the helpline was only one part of the college’s response, and that the organisation was committed to ‘proactively addressing concerns wherever they arise’.
A review of all safeguarding policies and procedures at the college is underway.
Details of online-only RCN congress still in development
RCN congress, the college’s policy-setting meeting where members debate key nursing issues, was due to be held in Liverpool on 18-20 September.
Voting members were set to attend in person but now all delegates will take part online. More details on logistics are expected to be announced soon.
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