This was an investigation into allegations of bullying and harassment and the process for handling complaints at East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust. The investigation followed allegations of bullying and harassment of staff at the trust.

We found that the perception of bullying and harassment in the organisation was particularly high. Despite this, there was no evidence that the actual number of allegations of bullying and harassment recorded was significantly higher than at other trusts of a similar size.

However, senior managers in the trust did not act to find out more about these perceptions so that they could deal with them appropriately. We called on the trust to promote a culture of zero tolerance to bullying and harassment.

In our follow-up report in August 2007, we were satisfied that the trust had made good progress against its action plan.

More information

Further information on the investigation is available in the publications listed below:

• East Sussex investigation report
• Investigations Committee report
• East Sussex Investigation action plan