Tackling bullying, harassment and abuse in the NHS

Peer learning event, held on 21 October 2025

Chair:
Dr MaryAnn Ferreux, Non-Executive Director, Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust and Chief Medical Officer, Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex

Speakers:

• Ben Travis, Chief Executive Officer, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust
• Fay Blackwood, Associate Director for Organisation Development and Inclusion, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust
• Mark Cotton, Assistant Director of Communications, North East Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust

Bullying, harassment and abuse continue to be a serious issue across the NHS, with over one in four staff reporting at least one incident in the last year. Ethnic minority and disabled staff remain disproportionately affected, highlighting the urgent need for sustained board led action and culture change.

Our interactive online peer learning event explored how NHS boards can take practical proactive steps to tackle these challenges, fulfil their statutory duties of care, and create inclusive, supportive workplace where staff feel safe and able to speak up.

The session included: 

Leadership in action:
Ben Travis and Fay Blackwood shared how the board and senior leadership team at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust are driving cultural change and accountability to reduce bullying, harassment and abuse.

Tackling hate crime:
Mark Cotton from North East Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust outlined how staff feedback shaped improved approaches to supporting colleagues who experience hate crime, strengthening both managerial confidence and board oversight.

Facilitated peer learning discussions:
Delegates engaged in interactive breakout sessions to share experiences and local approaches to tackling bullying, harassment and abuse. Conversations explored practical tools that empower staff to challenge poor behaviours, approaches to supporting internationally educated colleagues, and what zero tolerance means in practice with themes encompassing:

• campaigns and communications 
• reporting, data driven insights and governance
• empowerment, allyship and support
• safety and environment
• leadership and culture of inclusion and belonging
• sector-specific challenges.

Additional resources:

• Read our speakers reflections in the question bank.
• North East Ambulance NHS Trust resources:
  • Hate crime poster 
  • Hate incident managers checklist