Freedom to Speak up Guardians have been appointed throughout the NHS and have a key role in helping to raise the profile of raising concerns in their organisations. They provide confidential advice and support to staff.
There are nearly 700 Freedom to Speak Up Guardians in the NHS and independent sector organisations, national bodies and elsewhere.
At UHCW NHS a Freedom to Speak up Guardian is supported by Freedom to Speak Up Ambassadors to provide support, discuss options and signpost staff in the right direction to get any concerns resolved.
Issues covered by the Freedom to Speak Up Programme include:
- Unacceptable healthcare practice
- Corruption
- Dishonesty
- Fraud or financial irregularity
- Bullying
- Misreporting performance data
- Offering or taking bribes
- Criminal Activity
- Endangering the health and safety of an individual(s)
- Malpractice in the workplace
- Deliberate concealment or destruction of any information relating to a concern
Freedom to Speak Up Mobile App
UHCW NHS Trust values and encourages speaking up, as it does make a difference.
The Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) Guardian has recognized that employees would benefit from an additional avenue to raise concerns, particularly those who might have struggled to do so via existing routes.
In conjunction with our Innovation Team and the Information Communication and Technology (ICT), we have developed a bespoke UHCW SpeakUp app, which is accessible to all UHCW employees, including contractors, bank/agency and locum staff.
The app enables you to contact FTSU Ambassadors and/or Guardian; to be signposted to the right information or support; receive advice and formally raise concerns. A copy of UHCW Raising Concerns Policy and “Why Speaking Up Matters” (YouTube video) are available in the app as resources for you too. The app can be used at your ease and convenience.
Through this app you can raise concerns openly, in confidence and anonymously.
