New national guidance for NHS staff on speaking up in NHS Scotland

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Speaking up when something doesn’t feel right is an important part of creating safe, high-quality healthcare. 

Healthcare Improvement Scotland worked with the Independent National Whistleblowing Officer to develop new guidance on speaking up for NHS Scotland staff. 

Anyone working in NHS Scotland can raise a concern, including employees, contractors, volunteers and students. This guidance is designed to make speaking up simpler, clearer and easier to navigate.  

It sets out: 

  • what speaking up means 
  • when and how to raise a concern 
  • the different routes available for advice and action 

NHS Scotland staff can contact Healthcare Improvement Scotland in confidence to raise concerns about the safety or quality of care.  

The Independent National Whistleblowing Officer (INWO) provides an independent review process for whistleblowers and can investigate concerns, make recommendations and support learning across NHS Scotland. 

Robbie Pearson, Chief Executive, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, and Paul McFadden, Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, released a joint statement: 

“Speaking up is essential to safe, high-quality care. Staff, contractors, volunteers and students are often the first to notice when something may not be right. It is vital they feel confident, supported and clear about what to do next.” 

Read the new national guidance for NHS staff on speaking up in NHS Scotland.