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Policy Statement

Whilst aware of the differing abilities and differing needs of people with learning disabilities, the Community and Adult Care Directorate (C&ACD) and the Gloucestershire 2gether NHS Foundation Trust (2gether) recognise the significance of all types of relationships, including intimate personal relationships, and of sexual expression for all people.

Click here to download a copy of the policy: Intimate Personal Relationships and Sexuality Policy (Adults with Learning Disabilities).pdf


Within the constraints of current legislation, and the need to ensure physical and emotional safety, the C&ACD and 2gether will promote the rights of people with learning disabilities to develop and enjoy personal and/or sexual relationships of their choice.

These rights include:

  • The right to have opportunities to love and be loved and to engage in consenting relationships, whether sexual or not
  • The right to education and information about their own bodies
  • The right to education and information about personal relationships and sexuality (including responsibility to others), presented in a manner appropriate to their individual needs
  • The right not to be sexually exploited
  • The right to opportunities to develop legally acceptable relationships
  • The right to information and help with contraception and the maintenance of sexual health, including the right to be included in all national sexual screening programmes within mainstream services
  • The right to marry, enter into a civil partnership or cohabit and to receive support in maintaining such partnerships
  • The right to information and advice about the responsibilities of parenthood, and support when deciding whether to become a parent or not
  • The right to support during pregnancy and the subsequent upbringing of children (where their capacity to provide proper care can be demonstrated)

When enabling people to exercise any of these rights, the C&ACD and 2gether recognise the need for planned, multi-disciplinary approaches, properly discussed and recorded. On In-Patient Units all issues related to sexuality of patients should be brought to the Clinical Team.

This policy must be read in conjunction with the GCC and 2gether policies on Mental Capacity and Consent. Mental Capacity Act Summary and Guidance for Staff and Consent to Examination and Treatment.

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