Duty of Care, Consent and Why These Conversations Matter

Duty of care is so much more than a workplace policy, it’s about creating environments where people feel safe, respected and supported. At the heart of this is understanding consent.

It’s important to be clear: if someone does not consent to sexual intercourse, it is rape — regardless of the relationship involved. Marriage, dating, previous intimacy or living together never remove a person’s right to say no.

Consent to sexual intercourse must be clear, willing and ongoing. A person has the right to change their mind at any point, even within a relationship or during intimacy. Consent cannot be assumed because someone is married, dating, has consented before, or because there was no physical resistance.

Consent must always be freely given, ongoing and respected at all times.

Under UK law, sexual intercourse without consent is rape. This includes situations where someone is pressured, manipulated, threatened, too frightened to say no, asleep, unconscious, or unable to freely agree.

Recent media coverage has sparked conversations around safeguarding and responsibility. A BBC Panorama investigation into allegations connected to Married at First Sight UK highlighted serious concerns around participant welfare, consent and duty of care in high-pressure environments. The reports have led to wider discussions about how organisations support and protect people, particularly where vulnerability and power dynamics may exist.

The allegations uncovered by Panorama are "disturbing" and "incredibly worrying", said one of the country's leading women's safety charities.

"The tragic reality is that violence against women and girls does not discriminate and can impact anyone, even if they are being watched by millions on national television," said Women's Aid.

An Ofcom spokesperson said: "Under our rules, broadcasters are required to take due care over the welfare of people who might be at risk of significant harm as a result of taking part in a programme."

"We note that Channel 4 has launched an external review into contributor care on MAFS UK and we await its findings," they added. "We will review this and all other evidence made available to us."

These conversations matter because safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, whether it is in workplaces, education, healthcare or entertainment, people should feel able to speak up, set boundaries and know that they will be listened to.

Creating safer cultures starts with awareness, accountability and respect.