THE Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust has sent a “clear message” that staff safety is of the utmost importance.

The trust is the latest employer to sign up to UNISON’s end violence at work charter, which it says demonstrates its commitment to protecting healthcare staff from abuse, assault and threatening behaviour.

Signing up to the charter means the trust can demonstrate it has strong safeguarding policies in place as well as providing as much support as possible for staff who may experience violence at work.

UNISON South West regional secretary Kerry Baigent said: “No one should face violence or threats while simply doing their job. By signing, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust is sending a clear message to staff that their safety matters.”

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The charter has a number of standards that employers must sign up to, including having clear systems to report and investigate incidents, collecting and monitoring data, and ensuring staff receive appropriate training.

UNISON Salisbury Health branch secretary Mark Wareham said: “Employees know first-hand how challenging and unpredictable working in the NHS can be. Having the right support systems in place makes a real difference and the trust has taken an important step.”

Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust chief people officer Melanie Whitfield said: “We are pleased to be able to sign this charter.

“The safety and wellbeing of our staff is a top priority. We have a number of initiatives in place to protect colleagues and to take action when they experience abuse of any sort.

“We welcome feedback from staff as we continue to improve how we support their wellbeing and safety at work.”