Staff are reminded to complete the TURAS whistleblowing training module to help NHS Lanarkshire create a culture where staff feel safe to raise a concern.
The National Whistleblowing Standards (referred to as the Standards) were introduced in April 2021 to help staff raise concerns about patient safety or other harm. Within the first year NHS Lanarkshire has dealt with three complaints under the formal process.
NHS Lanarkshire non-exec director and whistleblowing champion Lesley McDonald said: “The whistleblowing standards can be used to improve patient care, safety and experience as well as promoting an open, transparent and supportive working environment.
“We would encourage everyone to complete the first module and all managers to complete the second one. We are determined to develop a culture where staff feel safe to raise a concern and where managers welcome staff doing so.”
Training is available for NHS Lanarkshire managers and staff here.
The modules are set out in three different learning programmes for:
- people who need an overview of the Standards;
- people who are line managers or work in a similar role, who are likely to receive concerns from colleagues in their day-to-day work; and
- senior managers who are involved with not only receiving concerns, but also investigating, responding to, and reporting on whistleblowing concerns to the board.
Lesley added: “Whistleblowing means speaking up about a matter that is in the public interest and is different to a grievance which is typically a personal complaint about an individual’s own employment situation.
“People who raise a whistleblowing concern are protected by law against being treated unfairly as a result of doing so and are assured of receiving support, feedback and having their confidentiality protected.
“Also, everyone benefits if concerns can be raised early and dealt with promptly and professionally. The new process under the Standards is a formal process. But we want staff to feel free to raise concerns before they get to the formal stage, and for managers to listen and learn from staff’s concerns.”
Under the Standards, all staff have access to a ‘confidential contact’. Their role is to provide a safe space to discuss your concerns and to give you the information you need. They also have the knowledge and skills to help you to raise your concern with the appropriate manager. Staff can also raise concerns directly with their line manager or any other senior member of staff.
Lesley said: “The important thing is to raise the concern and that both confidential contacts and managers will be able to advise how the concern can be addressed if whistleblowing isn’t the best process.”
NHS Lanarkshire’s confidential contacts are:
Rhonda Bell – Tel 07856 759884 or 01698 752702 Rhonda.bell@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
Ann Marie Blaney – 01698 366449 AnnMarie.blaney@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
Abi Campbell – 01355 584418 Abi.campbell@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk (designated confidential contact for private contractors, including private financial initiatives)
Dr Megha Jani – 01355 585 058 Megha.Jani@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
Dr Rachna Lalsinghani – 01698 755366 Rachna.lalsinghani@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk (designated confidential contact independent private contractors)
Nsenam Obot – 01698 366523 Nsenam.obot@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
Paul Cannon – 01698 752868 Paul.cannon@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk (designated confidential contact for private contractors, including private financial initiatives)
Further information
You can watch the Lesley McDonald’s video on the policy here:
- Vimeo – https://vimeo.com/618026508
- Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpsTsCmUGEo
For further information on how to use the Standards and details of each stage of the Standards, click here.
The National Whistleblowing Standards can be downloaded here.
Further information is available on the INWO website, including FAQs, cases studies and contact details. Further details on whistleblowing is also available here.
