The future of Freedom to Speak Up (February 2026)

Summary

NHS England has set out proposals for the future of Freedom to Speak Up after the National Guardian’s Office closes in June 2026. This written submission is based on a survey conducted by Gowpen of Freedom to Speak Up guardians, asking about their wellbeing and support. Supportive of the outcomes outlined in the engagement pack of the importance of high quality training and effective support for Freedom to Speak Up guardians, this submission shares reflections on the need for greater emotional support of guardians. 

Content

The data from our wellbeing survey reveals a gap between the recommendation that guardians are supported and the lived reality of Freedom to Speak Up guardians. While guardians remain deeply passionate and say they feel "privileged" to do the work, for many there is a sense of exhaustion and disillusionment regarding institutional accountability. They frequently describe their role as "lonely" and "vulnerable,"

Recommendations from the results of our survey

1. Provide external supervision: Freedom to Speak Up guardians require specialised role specific supervision to support their wellbeing. Internal management check-ins and Employee Assistance Programmes provide neither the independence, nor the psychological safety essential for guardian support.
2. In the absence of a national office, there still needs to be a National Professional Framework for Freedom to Speak Up guardians. This framework should include include a code of ethics, professional registration, accredited training, and wellbeing support to reflect the role's independence and sensitivity. An independent professional framework would also provide trust in the role for workers.
3. Strengthening peer support with funding . A professional framework would give Freedom to Speak Up guardians the ability to organise and share support and learning nationally. However, funding is needed to support volunteers in the regional and sector networks.