All individuals within the NHS should be supported to speak up, raise concerns and offer solutions that improve the culture within the workplace and support high levels of patient safety.
At NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, we want everyone working in primary care to feel safe, supported, and confident to speak up about concerns – whether they relate to patient safety, workplace wellbeing, or service delivery.
When a concern is raised, we want colleagues to feel confident that they will be listened to, supported, and appropriate action taken.
What Can Colleagues Speak Up About?
You can speak up about anything that gets in the way of doing a good job, including (but not limited to):
- Unsafe patient care or working conditions
- Unsafe working conditions
- Inadequate training or induction arrangements
- Poor response to reported safety concerns or incidents
- Suspicions of fraud (can also be reported to the National NHS Fraud and Corruption Reporting line via 0800 028 40 60 or https://cfa.nhs.uk/reportfraud)
- Sexual safety concerns or incidents
- Bullying or harassment
- A culture of unfairness or discrimination
- Inappropriate attitudes or behaviours
Speaking Up Routes
We understand speaking up can feel daunting. That’s why it is important to highlight that there are a range of different speaking up routes available to allow you to choose what feels right for you in your individual circumstances:
- Speak up to your line manager, practice manager or senior colleague/manger
- HR or Workforce Team for employment related matters
- Trade Union Representative
- Speak Up to the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian within your own organisation (if in place)
- Contact the NHS Hampshire & Isle of Wight Freedom to Speak Up Guardian for confidential and impartial support. Colleagues can raise concerns individually or as a group if preferred
- External bodies including the Care Quality Commission and NHS England
- Report externally to professional regulators if internal routes are not suitable or do not feel safe
Freedom to Speak Up: new arrangements now live!
The service is provided independently by The Guardian Service Ltd, giving all colleagues access to a confidential and impartial route to raise concerns, provide feedback, or speak up about issues that matter.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the service offers a safe and supportive way for staff to share concerns and ensure their voices are heard.
How to contact the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian
To contact the Primary Care Freedom to Speak Up Guardian for Hampshire and IOW, please use the details below:
Number: 0333 009 0577
Email: contactpc@theguardianservice.co.uk
Other ways to share your views
While the new Freedom to Speak Up Service provides an independent channel for raising concerns, there are still many other ways for colleagues to share feedback, ideas and experiences across the organisation. You can continue to speak up through:
- Your line manager
- The annual Staff Survey
We are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels confident to speak up, share feedback and help us continually improve the experience of our staff and the care we provide to our communities.
To access Freedom to Speak up training for your teams please visit: NHSE elfh Hub
Toolkit:
NHS England Freedom to Speak Up Team
Colleagues can contact the team via their confidential inbox: england.speakup1@nhs.net
Our Commitment
In line with our duty of candour, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight senior leaders and the Board are committed to fostering an open, honest, and just culture where speaking up is welcomed, appreciated and acted upon. Whatever route you choose to speak up, you will have access to the support you need.