Whistleblowing in the NHS

Whistleblowing, or public interest disclosure, occurs when a worker reports the actual or prospective improper actions of their organisation or colleagues. The worker could disclose the improper action:

• internally within their organisation using a set procedure

• to one of a number of external regulators

• more widely if neither of the other options is appropriate.

Reporting concerns outside normal channels may be necessary where attempts to report them in the past have not been successful.

This topic looks at who is covered by whistleblowing legislation, explains what qualifying and protected disclosures are, and examines what should be in place in NHS organisations in order to create an open and responsive culture where staff feel confident to speak up when things go wrong.

• NHS employers are subject to the same regulatory and statutory framework as other employers in relation to whistleblowing. Whistleblowing Statutory Framework in the NHS

• In addition, NHS organisations are required to adopt the “Freedom to Speak up” policy as mandated within the NHS Standard Contract. Raising Concerns in the NHS

• NHS Employers provides a suite of resources for employers to enable them to fulfil their statutory requirements. Whistleblowing Statutory Framework in the NHS

• All NHS employers will have an appointed “Whistleblowing Guardian”. The Role of the National Guardian’s Office