This behaviour simply must not happen and the culture that has allowed it to happen must be wiped out. Our campaign says, ‘Let’s Remove It’ - we are all in this together and can unite to eliminate sexual misconduct in surgery.
Clare McNaught, Vice President, The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
Let's Remove Sexual Harassment
Welcome to our 'Let’s Remove It' hub. Originally launched in 2017 to tackle bullying and undermining across the surgical workforce, these pages already provide helpful resources and signposting to useful websites on Anti-Bullying and Undermining.
In 2024, we feel it is right that we add more resources to this successful campaign, and use its powerful platform to help eradicate sexual misconduct from our profession. This new element of the #letsremoveit campaign has been launched in response to the alarming findings uncovered by the Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery (WPSMS) and the Surviving in Scrubs group, which highlighted the harassment and sexual abuse faced by colleagues in surgery.
This UK-wide campaign, launched by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, is designed to raise awareness of Sexual Harassment and encourage zero tolerance of sexual misconduct in healthcare. We ask clinicians to 'Call it Out' if they witness it.
We hope you will find the following resources helpful:
- A library of resources, advice and signposting for support.
- Our hard-hitting poster and billboard campaign around UK hospitals.
- Our updated Code of Conduct.
Our Code of Conduct will be shared with every member new and old and they will be asked to automatically sign up to the Code. It will affirm the professional behaviours we expect from our members.
RCSEd Code of Conduct
Reflects the College values and sets out the expected standards of ethics, probity and behaviour expected from the membership of the RCSEd.
Read HereAnti-Bullying and Undermining
You can find all the resources for Anti-Bullying and Undermining on these pages. The information has recently been updated by the team and we will continue to champion that cause and raise awareness of the issues surrounding this behaviour.
Explore the Hub
Together we can help to make our workplace a better, safer place for everyone.
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
Sexual Misconduct in Surgery Resources
Guidance for Individuals Affected by Sexual Misconduct
The page offers guidance for healthcare workers affected by sexual misconduct. It emphasises recognising the issue, listening to those impacted, offering support, and taking action. It acknowledges the widespread nature of the problem and stresses that, despite its prevalence, the behaviour remains unacceptable.
Learn More
Guidance for Bystanders Affected by Sexual Misconduct
The page addresses healthcare professionals who witness sexual misconduct. It highlights the discomfort, uncertainty, and guilt bystanders may feel, warning of the risk of normalising such behaviour. It encourages recognising the issue, listening, offering support, and taking action to prevent perpetuating the misconduct.
Learn More
Guidance for People Receiving Reports of Sexual Misconduct
The page advises those receiving reports of sexual misconduct to listen carefully and provide support. It highlights the importance of recognising the situation, listening to the person reporting, offering appropriate support, and taking action to address the issue.
Learn More
Guidance for Respondents to Accusations of Sexual Misconduct
The page addresses those accused of sexual misconduct, acknowledging that false accusations are rare. It notes that individuals may not have realised the impact of their behaviour. The page emphasises recognising the situation, listening, seeking support, and taking appropriate action to handle the stress of the accusation.
Learn More
Guidance for Healthcare Organisations
The page advises healthcare organisations to address sexual misconduct by recognising its prevalence, especially in high-risk environments. It calls for open reporting, support through HR and health services, and action by promoting a respectful culture, enforcing clear policies, and providing regular training to prevent misconduct.
Learn MorePosters
Print a poster: We have designed posters for workplace display. Download our collection of Let's Remove It posters.
