Updated 16 February 2026
We carried out this announced on-site assessment on 25 March 2026.
The Shores-Dorset SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) is situated in the centre of Bournemouth and shares its premises with the police station. However, the SARC is accessible through a separate front door. The premises have been converted in order to meet ISO 15189 Standards and Forensic Science Regulator requirements to ensure high quality evidence is obtained to support patients through the criminal justice system. At the time of the inspection, the service was awaiting accreditation with UKAS.
The service is managed by Partnering Health Limited and is commissioned by Dorset police alongside NHS England. It offers medical, practical, and emotional support to adults, young people and children who have experienced sexual assault including rape. The centre is staffed by forensically trained clinicians, crisis workers and administrative support staff.
The service operates 365 days a year with staff on site between the hours of 9am and 6pm Monday to Friday. Outside of these times, there is a help and advice line for all patients available via the provider’s call centre and an on-call rota for staff.
During the inspection we spoke with the clinical director, the interim clinical service manager, the group clinical director, two sexual offences’ examiners, a crisis worker and administrative support staff. We also spoke with the police commissioner and two police sexual offences liaison officers to gain their feedback about the service provided.
We checked the premises for access, fire safety and cleanliness. We reviewed the SARC’s policies and procedures, and other records about how the service was managed.
We assessed 10 quality statements in total under the safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led key questions.
We found the provider had met the regulations and evidence showed that people received a good standard of care and treatment. There were effective systems in place to ensure patient safety, welfare and privacy. Patients’ needs were thoroughly assessed, and care was planned and delivered in line with current best practice guidance. Processes for monitoring the standards and quality of care provided were in place.