In February 2015, Sir Robert Francis QC published his report on the Freedom to speak up review. The review was set up in response to continuing disquiet about the way NHS organisations deal with concerns raised by NHS staff and the treatment of some of those who have spoken up.
The report sets out 20 principles and actions which aim to create the right conditions for NHS staff to speak up, share what works right across the NHS and get all organisations up to the standard of the best and provide redress when things go wrong in future. These are designed to:
- promote a culture in the NHS where staff feel safe and encouraged to speak up
- make sure all concerns are heard, investigated properly and the right support is on hand for staff
- protect vulnerable groups, such as student nurses and medical trainees, from intimidation
- prevent discrimination against people who have been brave enough to speak up and help them get back into work.