Publish date: 26 June 2023
The Freedom to Speak Up team have recently launched an e-referral form. The team have received 18 referrals through the form, 16 of which were anonymous. This is a significant increase, previously anonymous referrals have been well below the national average of 12 percent. For quarter 4 the team received 18 anonymous referrals from 87 which is approximately 15 percent of the total.
A variety of issues have been raised including staffing levels, working practices and difficulties working in certain teams . All have been escalated and actions monitored .
It is anticipated that this initial increase may reduce, though raising awareness of the new system will continue with a focus on staffwho have been identified nationally as low reporters, which includes medical trainees and staff with protected characteristics.
The team are aware about concerns around negative repercussions after speaking up and they want to let staff know that all though they would prefer people contact them and share their names and contact details so that information can be gleaned and feedback given, they are also more then happy to work with anonymous referrals and pursue them as rigorously as possible..