Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, with reference to the Department's Framework for Sexual Health Promotion in England, published in March 2013, what steps he has taken to ensure that arrangements are put in place for continuing professional development of the sexual health workforce.

The continuing professional development of doctors and nurses is the responsibility of individual employers. Health Education England has a role in ensuring employers remain committed to continuing professional development and in developing the overall strategy for workforce skills and development in their areas. As set out in the Government’s A Framework for Sexual Health Improvement in England, local areas should know of all the professionals who are part of their sexual health workforce, and that their skills are used to best effect. Staff should be supported to undertake appropriate training and development. Professional organisations can advise local areas on providing training for their staff.