We would always encourage you to try to resolve any concerns you have within your organisation first.
You can do this by:
- challenging unsafe practice, risk or wrongdoing there and then
- talking to someone senior or your line manager in your organisation
- consulting your own organisation’s whistleblowing policy
For NHS Scotland staff, advice is available from an independent confidential advice service. This is the Independent National Whistleblowing Officer (INWO). INWO was introduced in April 2021. It is delivered by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman..
This confidential service provides a safe space where advice is available from trained staff. It includes information on the various routes you can use to raise concerns. Where appropriate, concerns raised through this route may be referred to us if they fall within our remit.
If you have gone through the whistleblowing process and you are dissatisfied with the outcome, you can appeal to the INWO. This is the final stage to appeal the decision/process. You can do this on their website.
Only concerns raised after 1 April 2021 are eligible for consideration by the INWO.
You can contact the NHS Confidential Advice and Information Line on:
- Freephone number: 0800 008 6112
- email: INWO@spso.gov.scot
You can find more information on the whistleblowing section of the INWO’s website.