Violence, Prevention and Reduction (VPR)

A fundamental part of our UHSussex Violence, Prevention & Reduction Stakeholder Group is focused on the prevention and reduction of violence toward NHS colleagues.

The quarterly Stakeholder Group reports into the Exec-Led Leadership, Culture & Development (LCD) Steering Group chaired by Chief People Officer, David Grantham.

We understand that the current unrest in this country will leave some of our colleagues feeling afraid and unwelcome. On behalf of UHSussex, we want to express just how welcome and valued you are in our community and ask the public to remember to be kind. Watch a video of Maggie Davies, Chief Nurse, presenting our values to staff.

VPR project updates

Sept 2023 – Supplementary VPR Policy (link opens via SharePoint) approved by Trust Management Committee and now includes:
- i. Designation of a number of ‘hotspot areas’ for enhanced ‘conflict management’ training
- ii. Adoption of Manager V&A Response SOP (Standard Operating Procedure).
- iii. Introduce a V&A Response Feedback process to hear directly from staff who have experienced V&A in the workplace (in particular minoritized staff groups) and continuously improve the Manager Response Standard Operating Procedure and staff support programme.
April 2023 – Conflict Resolution training is now statutory and mandatory for all staff
Sussex ICS Violence Prevention and Reduction Strategy launched.

14.7% of the Sussex NHS Trust workforce have experienced physical violence from a patient/service user, their relatives, or other members of the public.
2022 national NHS staff survey

Our primary aim is for our people to be supported, safe and secure at work through preventing and reducing incidents of violence and abuse toward them.

Workforce psychological safety is paramount to a healthy and productive employer / employee relationship; creating a safe service user and workforce environment and helping to improve the experiences of everyone living in Sussex who use our services.

Keeping you safe

Download the Violence Prevention Strategy 2025

Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (known as IDVAs)

Experts in domestic violence, IDVAs prioritise victim safety in every aspect of their work. They provide vital emotional and practical support to victims and survivors, to reduce the risk posed by the perpetrator.

UHSussex staff can access IDVA services using the emails and contact numbers below or email:

[email protected]

07834 968539 or 033 022 28181

WORTH Services (Ways of Relating Through Health): based at Worthing, St Richards and Princess Royal Hospitals. WORTH Specialist Domestic Abuse Service supports people at risk of harm as a result of domestic abuse. They have teams of IDVAs (Independent Domestic Violence Advisors) across West Sussex who work to identify, assess and assist people at risk. If you would like support, or to refer someone for support, use our referral form or the contact details below.

Victim Support: based at Royal Sussex County Hospital to support victims of crime, traumatic incidents, domestic abuse and provides specialist help to support people to cope and move on.

Sussex domestic abuse service for both women and men, they provide advice on how to leave or recover from a difficult relationship and devise safety plans if in dangerous relationship, this service is private and confidential.