Common issues and ways of countering them
Lack of clear guidance
Supporting people around sexuality, gender, sex, and intimate or romantic relationships can be a challenging area for staff. This difficulty often stems from a lack of clear guidance, training, and policy. Without these tools, staff may feel uncertain about how to address sensitive issues, leading to inconsistent approaches. In some cases, the focus becomes heavily geared towards minimising risk, both to the people they support and the organisation, which can inadvertently take attention away from the person’s needs. Staff may then rely on their own views and values, rather than a shared organisational stance. A clear organisational policy, paired with robust training, ensures staff are aligned with the organisation's position, offering consistent support that respects legal and ethical standards. This approach gives staff the confidence to support people meaningfully, knowing they are following clear, person-centred guidance that prioritises both the individual’s rights and their needs.
Closed cultures
To create an open, supportive culture, staff training is essential. Without proper training, staff may struggle to engage in conversations about relationships and sexuality, leading to people feeling ashamed or hesitant to share their concerns. This can increase the risk of unsafe situations or exploitation. Training should focus on fostering an open, listening environment where people feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues without fear of judgment. By equipping staff with the skills to handle these conversations with empathy and respect, organisations can help ensure people feel heard and supported, ultimately encouraging healthier, safer relationships and experiences. The same approach can be included in team meetings where the topic of sexuality and relationships is covered as a standard agenda item.
Poor knowledge of the law
Staff often feel anxious about how they can best support people, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like sexuality, relationships, and autonomy. Without a clear understanding of the law, staff may feel unsure about their responsibilities and how to navigate these areas of support. However, having a solid understanding of key legal frameworks, such as the Human Rights Act, the Mental Capacity Act, and CQC regulations, can help ease these concerns. These laws provide clear guidance on respecting individuals’ rights, supporting their autonomy, and making decisions that are in their best interests. When staff are trained to understand the law, they can approach their role with confidence, knowing how to support people in a way that upholds their rights while meeting their needs. This not only reduces staff anxiety but also ensures that people receive the respectful, person-centred support they deserve.
Content and guiding principles
This is a sensitive topic that requires a considered and careful approach. Training would be best placed to follow these key principles:
- Trauma informed (being mindful of the negative, discriminatory messages and experiences that many people who access support services have received and the secondary impact of this on the people who support them).
- Sex positive (promoting an open, tolerant, progressive attitude towards sex and sexuality, with an emphasis on pleasure).
- Inclusive (reflecting diversity in relation to gender, sexual orientation, religion, culture and age).
- Accurate (ensuring that information is up to date and correct, using appropriate terminology).
- Evidence based (reference is made to research that backs up recommended practice).
Training for social care staff on intimacy and sexuality should cover the following key areas as a minimum to ensure a comprehensive, person-centred approach:
- Impact on wellbeing: Staff should understand the positive effects of healthy sexual and intimate relationships on an individual’s overall wellbeing and mental health.
- Role of social care staff: Staff must be clear about their role in supporting people to develop healthy relationships and sexual expression in a safe, consensual, and respectful manner.
- Legislation and legal framework: A basic understanding of relevant legislation, including the Human Rights Act, the Mental Capacity Act, and safeguarding regulations, ensures staff act in accordance with the law when supporting individuals in these areas.
- Safeguarding and risk: Staff must understand how to assess and manage risks in relationships and sexual activity while respecting autonomy and supporting positive risk-taking.
- Supporting autonomy and decision-making: Staff should support individuals to make informed choices regarding their sexual and intimate lives, ensuring respect for privacy and personal decision-making.
- Communication skills: Staff need the skills to communicate openly and sensitively about sexual health, relationships, and intimacy, tailored to each person’s unique needs.
- Sexual rights and diversity: Training should emphasise understanding and supporting diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and relationship preferences.
- Support planning for sexuality and relationships: Train staff to have conversations and create person-centred support plans that respect individual preferences and goals.
Supported Loving’s Claire Bates and Sue Sharples developed a complete training pack, which can be freely downloaded to help social care employers develop the skills and knowledge needed to support people who draw on services, with personal relationships. The pack’s content includes all of the above and the trainer materials include PowerPoint slides, which are supported by a lesson plan, training facilitator guide and learner handouts and worksheets. View it here. Supported Loving members can provide a train the trainer session for this course – please contact claire.bates@choicesupport.org.uk
for more information.
It is important to recognise that not everyone is confident to deliver this training. If so, they may wish to seek a specialist trainer option - see our page, which list trainers in your area.
