Last year 66 colleagues used our Freedom to Speak Up process - up from nine in 2018.

Just under half the issues raised were around our policies and procedures, whilst 19 related to behaviours in the workplace.

This increase backs up the national picture from the National Guardian's Office, which says that where a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian is in post, the numbers increase by 73%.

Our Freedon to Speak Up Guardian, Nikki Hosty said: "Here at CHFT we encourage colleagues to 'speak up' about anything that gets in the way of delivering safe, high quality care or matters that may affect your experience in the workplace.

"By doing so you can make a difference for our patients and improve the experience of your colleagues too. We see speaking up as an opportunity to learn and improve, rather than to apportion blame.

"Each point raised has been treated with respect and care, with regular confidential communication with the colleague who has been in touch and the leaders responsible for the particular department where the issue has been highlighted.  Where they relate to patient care we have taken necessary actions.

"Colleagues can raise their concerns anonymously, though this means of course we can't give them any feedback on the actions we've been able to take, so I'd urge colleagues to tell us their names".

How does it work?

• We have more than 30 Freedom to Speak up Ambassadors in the trust. We have a confidential, electronic way for colleagues to log their concerns - either through the green button on the right-hand side of the homepage of the intranet, or on the Working for Us pages of our website.
• Nikki ensures these concerns are followed up so the lessons learned are implemented and embedded.
• For confidentiality reasons she cannot share specific cases / outcomes of cases, though if you want to find out more how FTSU is making a difference nationally you can go to the National Guardians Office website where specific cases have been published.

There are other ways of speaking up too

Colleagues are encouraged you to speak to their line manager first of all, though if this is not possible you can speak to any of our Freedom to Speak up ambassadors. You can also use Datix to report an incident, Ask Owen, Trade Union, our Chaplaincy team or our Occupational Health/Wellbeing team.

We also have listen and learn surgeries the last Friday of every month 9-11am in HRI Forum A room and 12 -2 in CRH Library in the quiet room.  We’re here to ensure that you will not be judged or victimised as a result of raising your concern. You will receive a thank you and feedback so you know what has happened as a result of the concern being raised.

If you want to know more, pop into our confidential listen and learn surgery or contact the Freedom to Speak up Guardian, Nikki Hosty (Nicola.hosty@cht.nhs.uk / 07795 497362)