NHS England: Freedom to Speak Up development and support (1 July 2026)

Summary

From 1 July 2026, following a recommendation by the Dash review of patient safety across health and care, NHS England will deliver some activities previously undertaken by the National Guardian’s Office (NGO). Trusts, primary care organisations, integrated care boards (ICBs) and independent providers will be taking on greater responsibility and accountability for embedding effective Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) arrangements.

More information is available in The future of Freedom to Speak Up publication.

Content

Guidance and support:

• Creating a safe speaking up environment: the role and responsibilities of healthcare leaders and commissioners
• Information for healthcare leaders to support their Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) responsibilities
• Integrated care board and primary care FTSU arrangements
• Support for healthcare leaders, non-executive directors and trustees
• Information for FTSU guardians
• Information for FTSU stakeholders
• Information for independent healthcare providers (including hospices)
• Accessing the National Guardian’s Office website
• Privacy notice