WGPlus (Archive)

Should the attempted ‘silencing’ (especially in public sector organisations) of Whistle-blowers become a legal offence?

Sir Robert Francis QC, Chair of the Freedom to Speak Up Review, recommends a package of measures to ‘ensure in future NHS staff are free to speak up about patient safety concerns’.  His report identifies an ongoing problem in the NHS, where staff are deterred from speaking up when they have concerns and can face shocking consequences when they do’.

Sir Robert found NHS staff want to speak up & heard lots of examples of organisations supporting them to do so.  But he heard that many staff are put off speaking up because they fear victimisation.  Others don't speak up because they feel their concerns won’t be listened to.  The review heard stories of staff that have faced isolation, bullying and counter-allegations when they’ve raised concerns.  In some extreme cases when staff have been brave enough to speak up, their lives have been ruined.

Researched Links:
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