CQC and the National Guardian's Office have published a joint response to last year's consultation on how the office should be established and run.
The need for an independent National Guardian for the NHS was highlighted in Sir Robert Franciss Freedom to Speak Up review in February 2015, which found that patients could be put at risk of harm because vital information about mistakes and concerns was not being raised by NHS staff routinely.
The National Guardian's Office has a small set-up team, with non-executive oversight being provided by Sir Robert Francis QC.
The joint response reflects the immediate priorities and functions of the National Guardian's Office. Interviews for the National Guardian vacancy are taking place and an announcement will be made in the summer. When appointed they too may wish to reflect on the consultation findings and make some further proposals on their future role and priorities.
The majority of the respondents to the consultation 44 (out of 61) said that they agreed with proposed scope for the National Guardian and most 47 (out of 57) said they agreed with the proposed principles for the National Guardian.
The response also sets out the current work and priorities of the National Guardian's Office, which will include:
- Providing advice and support on the role of Freedom to Speak Up Guardians for NHS trusts and NHS foundation trusts in England.
- Putting the support in place for a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian network.
- Establishing a programme of engagement events for trust non-executive directors and trust chief executives and supporting the rollout of training for Freedom to Speak Up Guardians.