Supporting people who speak out about patient safety

This week's board meeting included discussion around our role hosting the new independent National Speak Up Guardian.

In June last year the Secretary of State for Health commissioned Sir Robert Francis to carry out an independent review into creating an open and honest reporting culture in the NHS. Sir Robert’s report - Freedom to speak up  - was published in February and included recommendations to introduce:

• a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian in every NHS trust. This will be a named person in every hospital who will give independent support and advice to staff who want to speak up and hold the board to account if it fails to focus on issues around patient safety.
• a National Independent Officer who can support local guardians, intervene when cases are going wrong, and identify any failing to address dangers to patient safety, the integrity of the NHS or injustice to staff

After a period of consultation, the Secretary of State announced on 16 July that the National Independent Officer, now known as the independent National Speak Up Guardian, would be hosted by us. 

A paper outlining our early thoughts on the role was looked at by our board at this week's board meeting. 

We will be consulting on the role and function this Autumn.