Speaking up is crucial when anything stands in the way of providing the best possible care. Whether it’s a concern about safety, quality, or the working environment, raising these issues is essential to ensure that lessons are learned, improvements are made, and potential harm is prevented. Speaking up is not only for when things go wrong, but also when things are good but could be better. Every voice matters, and everyone should feel empowered to suggest improvements. Your feedback should be heard, valued, and acted upon to enhance care and workplace practices.
You can raise concerns about anything that affects the delivery of high-quality, effective care, or anything that impacts your work life. Speaking up could take many forms: from a quick conversation with a line manager to submitting a suggestion for improvement through a formal staff suggestion scheme, raising concerns with a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian, or even bringing an issue to the attention of a relevant regulatory body.
All staff members—whether they’re healthcare professionals, non-clinical staff, senior or junior managers, volunteers, students, bank or agency staff, or even former employees—are encouraged to speak up. NHS organisations have established policies and processes to support you in raising concerns. These policies ensure that every concern is taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.
Whistleblowing Guardians: Every NHS organisation appoints an independent and impartial Freedom to Speak Up Guardian. This person provides advice and support to staff at any stage of raising a concern, ensuring that individuals are not left unsupported.
Investigations and Action: If a concern is not resolved through normal channels, it will be formally investigated. The investigation is evidence-based, led by an independent individual, and aimed at learning from the situation and improving care.
Ongoing Support and Communication: Those who speak up are kept informed throughout the investigation process. High-level findings are reported to the organisation’s board, ensuring transparency and accountability. Additionally, the policy is reviewed annually to keep it effective and relevant.
The Freedom to Speak Up Policy is a mandatory standard that all NHS organisations in England must follow. This ensures that there are consistent, robust processes in place to protect staff and improve care across the healthcare system.
Your first point of contact for speaking up is your line manager. If you’re unable to raise your concern with them or prefer not to, you can turn to your local Freedom to Speak Up Guardian for guidance and support. At Doncaster LMC, we are committed to helping you find the right support and ensuring that your voice is heard.
Freedom to Speak Up Guardians are specially trained individuals who assist workers in raising concerns when they feel unable to do so through formal channels. They ensure that concerns are acknowledged, addressed, and acted upon, and they provide feedback to the person who raised the issue to confirm the actions taken.
Speak Up Helpline: This is a free, independent, and confidential helpline for NHS and social care workers in England, operated by Social Enterprise Direct Limited on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care. For support, you can reach them at 08000 724 725 or via their online contact form.
Protect: A national charity that advocates for workplace speaking up. They provide legally privileged advice, support organisations with their speaking up policies, and campaign for legal protections. You can contact Protect at 020 3117 2520 or by emailing whistle@protect-advice.org.uk.
Download the Freedom to Speak Up – NHS Policy (2016)
Click here to download the NHS Freedom to Speak Up Policy – 2016
Doncaster LMC – Here to Support Your Freedom to Speak Up
At Doncaster LMC, we are dedicated to ensuring that all healthcare workers have a safe space to voice concerns and make suggestions. We believe that speaking up should be encouraged, supported, and celebrated, as it ultimately leads to better care and a better working environment for all.