Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) concerns raised so far this year range from smoking breaks, relationship issues, guidance on policies and more.  And with rostering cropping up regularly, the FTSU network will make it their theme of the month in September.

Our FTSU Guardian, Nikki Hosty is supported by 26 FTSU ambassadors from right across CHFT.

Nikki, said: “To help raise awareness of Freedom to Speak Up, our ambassadors are hosting a stall on Wednesday 4th September. We will be at HRI reception and outside CRH restaurant between 10 – 2.30pm.

“You can speak to us confidentially about any topic, as well as our theme of the month; rostering.

“Feel free to drop-in to the stalls, contact our ambassadors or look at the confidential portal if you have a concern. Just see the green button on the right-hand-side of the intranet to see how you can raise a concern.

“The ambassadors have picked up the theme of rostering especially around people feeling unheard. So the feedback we gather next month will be taken to a Work Together to Get Results (WTGR) workshop to help senior managers devise a plan to make improvements. We’ll keep you posted.”

During the whole of 2018 there were a total of 9 concerns, and so far this year we’ve already had 61 raised, which shows awareness is increasing, especially since we’ve had posters put up in all areas.

This year there has been a diverse range of colleagues raising their concerns, from porters, clerical assistants, practice managers, theatre orderlies, nurses and apprentices.

Nikki added; “October is Freedom to Speak up month, when the ambassadors will be hosting a number of listen and learn surgeries across the Trust. So if you don’t get to see them on the 4th September, you can use the portal or visit the ambassador team at an upcoming ‘listen and learn surgery. More details to follow.”

The FTSU portal is easy to use. Your concern can be anonymous and you can provide as much or as little information as you feel is required. Nikki as our Guardian then picks up the concern and ensures the FTSU process is activated.

* Freedom to Speak up was one of the recommendations from the Francis report. The idea is that colleagues can raise a concern linked to anything related to patient or colleague care, quality & safety.