BMA responds to sexual harassment claims

Allegations have been made within GP Online in which a number of female GP committee members report sexist behaviour within the British Medical Association.

The articles warn that a generation of leaders is being excluded because of the demoralising impact of the culture they believe overshadows the General Practitioners Committee. Female doctors are quoted as feeling unable to attend events away from home without a family member to accompany her after being propositioned by a male colleague. Another doctor said a male colleague had sent her a naked photograph of himself, unsolicited.

Dr Zoe Norris and Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, who are members of the GPC, the body which represents all GPs, shared their experiences with GP Online, with Norris revealing she is stepping down in protest from the GPC, claiming her experiences have 'taken a significant toll on her mental health'.

Dr Chaand Nagpaul, BMA council chair, said: “I am appalled to hear of the treatment my colleagues describe and of similarly unacceptable behaviours. I want to say I’m sorry to them, and offer my heartfelt apologies on behalf of the whole association. Let me be clear – sexist, disrespectful, discriminatory and abusive behaviour will not be tolerated in this association and must be stamped out. As chair of council I have been clear that the BMA must become a modern, progressive organisation, reflecting the best of society in the 21st century; all members should have equal opportunity to contribute and progress and must be respected without being subject to any degrading experience based on their gender, race, sexuality, age or any other characteristic. 

“It is vital that we take decisive action to make positive changes. Which is why we will be launching an urgent investigation in response to today’s allegations, and we are reaching out to affected members to invite them to be an integral part of this. We would also ask that any member who feels they have experienced discriminatory or abusive behaviour to contact us. Going forward, we will be reviewing and identifying additional ways in which members can safely and effectively raise concerns. These processes must be there to ensure that members feel supported. For those who fail to meet the high standards set by the BMA, they must be dealt with accordingly. 

“The BMA strives to be a compassionate, respectful and inclusive organisation and if better and more thorough training and education is needed on what is and what is not acceptable behaviour in 2019, that will be provided. Finally, I would ask all members to reflect carefully on their own behaviour and the way they interact with other people, to ensure that they we all live the values that enables a positive culture in the BMA of diversity with equality of opportunity and achievement.”