Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU)

Speak up – we will listen. Speaking up about any concern you have at work is really important. In fact, it’s vital because it will help us to keep improving our services for all patients and the working environment for our staff.

You may feel worried about raising a concern, and we understand this. But please don’t be put off. Our senior leaders and entire board are committed to an open and honest culture. We will look into what you say and you will always have access to the support you need.

You can raise a concern about anything that gets in the way of you doing a great job, for example:

  • unsafe patient care
  • unsafe working conditions
  • inadequate induction or training for staff
  • lack of, or poor, response to a reported patient safety incident
  • suspicions of fraud (which can also be reported to our local counter-fraud team Byron Kevern on extension 8057 or email byron.kevern@nhs.net
  • bullying

Remember that if you are a healthcare professional you may have a professional duty to report a concern. If in doubt, please do raise it as soon as possible.

If you have a concern about your employment that affects only you, this type of concern is better suited to our Resolution Policy.

Ways to speak up

Initially, concerns are best raised with your line manager or a senior member of staff. You can also speak to a member of the Employee Relations team, the Occupational Health Department, Union representatives, or a Freedom To Speak Up Champion or the Guardian, safely and confidentially.

Further ways to speak up

Please see the supporting page on our intranet for staff-only information, including (but not limited to) access codes, login information, further links or details. Search for ‘Work with us’ or ‘Supporting information’

Page last reviewed: 31 March 2023

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