Support managers ‘to do the right thing’ says whistleblowers’ champion

Managers must be “supported to do the right thing” when alerted by whistleblowers to potential problems, the NHS’s national freedom to speak up guardian has told HSJ.

Jayne Chidgey-Clark was responding to pledges by new health and social care secretary Wes Streeting to sack managers who wilfully suppress concerns expressed by whistleblowers.

The Labour manifesto also said it would “implement professional standards and regulate NHS managers, ensuring those who commit serious misconduct can never do so again.”

Ms Chidgey-Clark said: “We all need to be accountable for our actions as managers… and if professional regulation of managers is brought in, I [would] support that. However, I’m also a huge believer in the carrot approach, not just sticks.”

She continued: “There has to be accountability… if there’s been wilful suppression of speaking up, or wilful detriment to someone who has spoken up.

“Because when there isn’t [accountability], some people lose faith in the system, they’re not going to speak up, because it’s been brushed under the carpet, and [they feel], what’s the point?

“Managers need to [listen and take action] because it’s the right thing to do, not just because if they don’t do it, they’re going to get punished.”

Read full story (paywalled)

Source: HSJ, 5 August 2024