To ask the Minister of Education to detail any risk assessments currently carried out by the Education Authority to protect teachers from harmful sexual behaviour from pupils.

No risk assessments are currently carried out by the Education Authority (EA) to protect teachers from harmful sexual behaviour from pupils.

Support is provided by the EA for staff who experience this type of behaviour from pupils included, and I have links to this support below.

Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Workplace Policy

EA DSVA Workplace Policy 2021.pdf

Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Manager Toolkit

DSVA Managers Toolkit.pdf

Women’s Aid Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Webinar

Health Well

Free 24/7 confidential staff counselling via Lena by Inspire

Lena (by Inspire) | Health Well

All EA Staff, whether temporary or permanent, Teaching and Non-Teaching are able to access EA’s HealthWell Hub.

The Hub is an external Digital Solution that provides a range of initiatives and information in relation to Health and Wellbeing. Please see the link for the Hub -Health Well.

Principals can also contact EA’s Health and Wellbeing Service directly via our Helpdesk to discuss further bespoke support in relation to Health and Wellbeing interventions and training:

HR Online Query Form (for non-urgent queries) - Ask HR Helpdesk Query Form

EAaskHR Helpdesk - 028 9047 0555 / Contact the dedicated EAaskHR Helpdesk on a single point of contact and ask to speak to the Health and Wellbeing Service.

In addition, the following training initiatives have also been developed and are delivered to support staff, Principals and Boards of Governors.

• Understanding Diversity & Inclusion

• Promoting a Dignified Workplace