Freedom to speak up
Freedom to speak enables NHS staff raise concerns.
Sir Robert Francis shared a vision for raising concerns in the NHS in his ‘Freedom To speak Up Review’ report (2015). The vision was one where:
- all staff can feel confident and safe to speak up
- concerns are well received
- where learning is used to make a difference
We actively encourage our staff to speak up about any concerns they may have at work as this helps us to keep improving our services for all patients and the working environment for our staff.
Freedom to speak up is:
- For everyone – it is inclusive and helps us build a better culture
- Talking freely – anyone raising a concern can do so without fear of bullying or harassment
- Sharing learning and ideas – we make a difference when we share learning and idea
- Unbiased – any concerns raised are responded to in an impartial, non-judgemental way
Our staff members can raise concerns with:
- their line manager
- a member of the People team
- the Executive team
- their Trade Union/Association representative
- HCT’s Freedom To Speak Up Guardian or one of our FTSU Ambassadors.
We know that our staff feel confident and safe to speak up (NHS Staff Survey 2020). Staff members can raise concerns in confidence, or anonymously, and know that they will be listened to and thanked, and that they will not be disadvantaged or discriminated against for doing so.
Current and Former Trust Staff
If you are a current or former member of Trust staff and would like to raise a concern, you can contact the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian by email.
If you would prefer to write to us, please mark your correspondence Strictly Private and Confidential and send it to:
Freedom to Speak Up Guardian
Howard Court
14 Tewin Road
Welwyn Garden City
Hertfordshire
AL7 1SW
Patients, Families and Carers
If you are a patient, family member or carer and would like to raise a concern about the care or services you have received, please contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), who will be able to help and advise you.
