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Raising and responding to concerns
Instilling the importance of speaking up about patient safety and responding effectively.
When things go wrong in the health and care sector, the quality of the care we provide can be affected and patients can suffer as a result, which is why everyone who works in the NHS should feel free to speak up, even when they are not sure whether there is a serious issue at stake of not.
In recent years, it’s become clear that some staff don’t have the knowledge or confidence to raise or respond to concerns about patient safety and Sir Robert Francis' report into the failings at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust recommended that every NHS organisation should provide training on the value of speaking. In response, we’ve developed two e-learning session and two films - 'Raising Concerns' and 'Responding to Concerns' - that aim to raise awareness on the importance of raising concerns, build confidence amongst staff on how to do so and equip managers with the knowledge, skills and confidence to respond adequately, timely and safely.
Two e-learning modules that promote relevant policies, procedures, best practice and available support in relation to raising and responding to concerns are available on our e-Learning for Healthcare (e-LfH) website. They teach NHS staff the value of speaking up, highlight available support and outline appropriate ways of handling and supporting staff when they raise a concern.
As educational tools, the films will support healthcare professionals at all levels – ensuring they feel empowered to both raise and respond to concerns. The films look at three scenarios that highlight broad lessons to be applied elsewhere. As well as stressing the importance of raising and responding to concerns, the films explain what to do and signpost to further information.
Subtitled versions of 'Raising Concerns' and 'Responding to Concerns' are available on YouTube.
Freedom to Speak Up Guardians are there to support and guide staff who wish to speak up, ensure that appropriate action is taken, and make sure that people who speak receive feedback on what happens with the issue that they raise. We worked with Public Concern at Work (PCaW) and the National Guardian's Office (NGO) to deliver training for the Freedom to Speak Up Guardians.
To read more about Freedom to Speak Up Guardians and to find your Guardian visit the National Guardian's office website.
As an NHS employee, regardless of your level or role it is your professional duty to report any concerns you have about activities in your workplace which may put the safety of the people in our care or the public at risk and to respond any concern raised to you.
The below links provide further information about raising and responding to concerns:
Freedom to Speak Up report by Sir Robert Francis
NHS Employers draw the line managers guide and toolkit
Raising Concerns at Work - Whistleblowing Guidance for Workers and Employers in Health and Social Care
Your employer, professional regulator and union will all have information on how you can raise concerns and the support available to you in doing so. The below organisations also offer advice and information which you may find useful.