Freedom of Information Request – Ref: FOI GHC-09062025-572136
Thank you for your recent Freedom of Information request. Please find our response below.
You asked:
1. Does the Trust have a staff policy in respect of the wearing/use of fragranced products? Please provide a copy of your staff policy concerning the wearing/use of fragranced products (including use of fragranced laundry products)
Our response:
Please see our policy on the link below:
Uniform Workwear Clinical Policy
You asked:
2. Where terms such as ‘overwhelming’, ‘overpowering’ or ‘discreet’ are used in respect of fragrance, how are these terms defined and who decides if the level of scent contravenes the guidance: the wearer, the Trust or the patient?
Our response:
We cannot respond to this question, as the information is not referenced on our policy.
You asked:
3. How is the policy brought to the attention of staff?
Our response:
Section 4.1 of the Uniform Workwear Clinical policy refers to how the policy is brought to the attention of staff.
You asked:
4. Is the policy in respect of the wearing of fragranced products enforced? How is it enforced?
Our response:
All policies are enforceable and would be managed through the Human Resources polices.
You asked:
5. What training is given to staff to make them aware that the use of fragranced products can be an accessibility barrier for patients? Please provide details. If any such material is third party copyrighted, please provide a synopsis.
Our response:
New starters are required to complete local induction. This is listed within the Essential for Role section on the Care to Learn, Learning Management System every member of staff has (linked to the electronic staff record).
Within the local induction pack, guidance is provided for the supervisor/manager to work through sections relevant to the individual’s role.
Page 3 outlines Day One in the Workplace Overview / Checklist, providing an outline for information a new employee needs on their first day in the workplace.
This checklist includes: Explanation of workplace regulations as required, no-smoking policy, alcohol/drugs, dress code/uniform policy, local interim (e.g. COVID-19) or permanent Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements, lone working policy etc.
An additional educational and learning opportunity available for staff is to enrol to the ‘Trauma Informed Approach Training’, the training provides a clear understanding of working in a trauma informed way and providing understanding to vulnerable people who may have experienced trauma. It is delivered face to face by the Nelson Trust. These sessions are delivered regularly as our Trust progresses to being Trauma Informed.
Scents / Perfumes are mentioned in the Learning Outcome: An understanding of the dynamics of trauma and exploration of triggers.
Please see our Local Induction Pack on the link below:
You asked:
6. Please provide copies of any correspondence, memos or minutes of meetings pertaining to discussion of the use of/ wearing of fragranced products by staff, including use of fragranced laundry products to wash clothing worn at work.
Our response:
The Trust does not hold the information requested.
Next steps:
Should you have any queries in relation to our response, please do not hesitate to contact us. If you are unhappy with the response you have received in relation to your request and wish to ask us to review our response, you should write to:
Louise Moss
Head of Legal Services / Associate Director of Corporate Governance
c/o Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
Edward Jenner Court
1010 Pioneer Avenue
Gloucester Business Park
Brockworth, GL3 4AW
E-mail: louise.moss@ghc.nhs.uk
If you are not content with the outcome of any review, you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for further advice/guidance. Generally, the ICO will not consider your case unless you have exhausted your enquiries with the Trust which should include considering the use of the Trust’s formal complaints procedure. The ICO can be contacted at: The Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.