Speaking up and whistleblowing: Where to get information and support

Summary

People working in healthcare will sometimes see things at work that cause them concern, such as a situation or action that is causing or could cause harm to a patient, member of staff or the public. If you work in health and social care and have concerns that you would like to raise, here are some helpful sources of advice and information about speaking up.

If you would like to add an organisation or resource to this page, please contact us.

Content

National Guardian’s Office (England)

The National Guardian’s Office and the role of the Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) Guardian were created in response to recommendations made in Sir Robert Francis QC’s report “The Freedom to Speak Up” (2015). 

The office leads, trains and supports a network of FTSU Guardians in England and conducts speaking up reviews to identify learning and support improvement of the speaking up culture of the healthcare sector.

There are over 1,200 FTSU guardians in NHS and independent sector organisations, national bodies and elsewhere that ensure workers can speak up about any issues impacting on their ability to do their job. 

• Find your local FTSU Guardian
• Guidance on how to speak up within your organisation and to regulators
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 0191 249 4400, 10am—4pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays)

Independent National Whistleblowing Office (Scotland)

The Independent National Whistleblowing Officer (INWO) is the final stage of the process for those raising whistleblowing concerns about the NHS in Scotland. The INWO developed a set of National Whistleblowing Standards that set out the high level principles and a detailed procedure for investigating concerns.

• National Whistleblowing Standards
• Information about complaining to the INWO
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 0800 008 6112, Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am-1pm, Tuesday and Thursday 12pm-4pm

Labour Relations Agency (Northern Ireland)

The Labour Relations Agency provides a free, impartial and confidential employment relations service to people engaged in industry, commerce and the public services. Services include advice on good employment practices and helping resolve disputes through conciliation, mediation and arbitration services.

• Workplace Information Service: 03300 555 300

Protect

Founded in 1993, Protect is the UK’s leading whistleblowing charity. They aim to stop harm by encouraging safe whistleblowing and offer free expert and confidential advice on how best to raise a concern. They can also advise on the specific legal rights and protections available to whistleblowers and on some other connected rights.

• Contact form
• Advice line: 0203 117 2520, Tuesday and Thursday 9:30am–1pm, 2pm–5:30pm. Wednesday and Friday 9:30am–1pm (excluding Bank Holidays)

Speak Up Direct

Speak Up Direct offers free, independent, confidential advice and guidance on speaking up. They have an online tool to help health and social care staff decide the best path to take to raise their concerns.

• Online tool
• Contact form
• Helpline: 08000 724 725, 8am-6pm, Monday to Friday

WhistleblowersUK

WhistleblowersUK is a not-for-profit organisation providing help, information and support to enable you to understand whistleblowing and the best way to raise concerns or escalate them. You can submit information about your concern and situation via a crypto encrypted password-protected platform for review by a team of experts from a wide range of sectors who will suggest courses of action, which may include signposting to other organisations.

• Submit an anonymous, encrypted message

Regulators and unions

Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

• Guidance on whistleblowing to the NMC

General Medical Council (GMC)

• Guidance on raising and acting on concerns about patient safety

Care Quality Commission (CQC)

• Report a concern if you are a member of staff

British Medical Association (BMA)

• Raising a concern: guide for doctors

Police service

If you believe you have witnessed or been the victim of a crime, you should contact the police on 101. If the situation is an emergency, call 999.

Patient Safety Learning is unable to offer advice on individual cases, and will always signpost you to the organisations listed.