Sexual health service users expect a choice of free, confidential, non-judgmental services provided by trained staff to nationally recognised standards. Appropriate standards and nationally accepted guidelines are fundamental to the provision of any specialist service. Sexual and reproductive health services have been influenced for many years by several bodies, including: the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Provision of a competent and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health service requires an appropriate staffing capacity, equipped with the skills to deliver care of the highest standard. Nurses working in sexual and reproductive health services should have a recognised postgraduate qualification in sexual health and, again, require support to ensure continuing professional education and training. Incorporating audit and research into sexual and reproductive healthcare practice is essential to further improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes, at both individual and population levels.