Sexual misconduct cases at ambulance service double

Reported cases of misogyny and sexual misconduct at an ambulance service more than doubled year-on-year, with 156 cases reported since April 2024.

Sackings over "sexual safety" cases have also more than quadrupled, with 25 dismissals in 2025-2026 alone, said the East of England Ambulance Service.

It said figures were reflective of a growing awareness and increased confidence in reporting - rather than an increasing number of incidents.

Senior staff said serious accusations around such misconduct were being met with "appropriate action".

The service said employee resignations during investigations had doubled from five to 10 which, they claim, indicated "greater accountability and visible consequences for harmful behaviour".

The list of complaints facing the service includes issues around religion, bullying, as well as complaints around sexual harassment.

Chief paramedic Simon Chase said: "Regrettably we have got examples of all of those cases going on in the organisation and it's really sad for me to sit here as a chief paramedic and recognise that."

Lisa Fautley, area head of operations for Essex who has worked for the area since 1994, said the working environment was "very different" now compared to 30 years ago.

"We need to change with the times," she said.

"What was acceptable back then is definitely not acceptable now."

Mike Bates, head of clinical operations said: "We've seen an increase in people being brave enough to come forward which has led to an increase in dismissals for inappropriate behaviour.

"And that's absolutely right and that's my expectation."

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