Sex workers - guidance

Guidance sections provide a space for resources that help convert principles or policy into action. The resources are listed alphabetically by author/issuing body and then by date.

You might also like to refer to the policy and agencies and communities sections for further information on sex workers.

Some of the resources below are in PDF format - see how to access PDF files.

Correlation Network (2008) Practical guidelines for delivering health services to sex workers (PDF 1.61MB)
These guidelines are based on a former edition of the European Network for HIV-STD Prevention in Prostitution (EUROPAP), which was first published in July 2003. The guidelines are meant for health and social workers who have had formal training in health issues, or developed practical experience through their work, and who deliver health care and health promotion services to sex workers.

Department of Health (2003) Effective Sexual Health Promotion Toolkit: 10 practical tips for work with commercial sex workers (PDF 1.03MB)
This toolkit has been developed in response to the first national strategy for sexual health and HIV, and the implementation action plan published by the Department of Health in June 2002. It represents a wide range of interests and views within sexual health, including sex workers.

Department of Health and Medical Foundation for AIDS and Sexual Health (MedFASH) (2005) Recommended standards for sexual health services
A key tool to support local delivery of commitments in the public health White Paper and the National strategy for sexual health and HIV, these 10 recommended standards for sexual health services cover 10 aspects of service provision, including guidance on service networks.

Home Office (2004) Solutions and strategies: drug problems and street sex markets (PDF 588KB)
This guidance is made available on the King's College London website. It provides an overview of the issues relating to prostitution and problematic drug misuse.

Home Office (2004) Tackling Street Prostitution: Towards an Holistic Approach (PDF 621.2KB)
Research published by the Home Office, which evaluates good practice in dealing with the problems and helping the women involved.

Medical Foundation for Aids and Sexual Health (MedFASH)
The purpose of the three reports below is to support the NHS in London and the Department of Health in strategic decision making and effective use of resources to improve sexual health in London.

NHS Evidence: Public Health
The National Library for Public Health (NLPH) is a collection of research evidence and guidance on best practice relating to the health of the population. Topics include HIV and AIDS.

NHS Evidence 2010 Annual Evidence Update - Sexual Health: HIV/AIDS - Behaviour change in high-risk populations
This third evidence update covers behaviour change in high-risk populations including ethnic minorities, gay men, injecting drug users, young people, commercial sex workers, and other populations.

National Public Health Service for Wales: Sexual Health Services Quality Improvement Toolkit
An evidence-based quality improvement and service monitoring toolkit for specialised sexual health services provided by GPs

UK Network of Sex Work Projects (UKNSWP) (2008) Good Practice Guidance: Working with Sex workers: Outreach (PDF 321.7KB)
This guidance provides good practice and provides information to help workers as well as projects thinking about setting up an outreach service in their area or in a new environment.