Whistleblowing

National Whistleblowing Standards

The National Whistleblowing Standards are a national system for raising concerns about the NHS in the public interest, where there is a risk of harm or wrongdoing. Anyone who delivers a service on behalf of the NHS can raise a concern using the Standards. This includes employees, volunteers, students and contractors. The Standards protect people who raise concerns and there are support mechanisms in place to help people speaking up.

Each Board has a Confidential Contact who makes sure decisions are made and recorded about whistleblowing concerns. At NHS Highland, you can raise a concern with your line manager, another colleague, or directly with the Confidential Contact:

• email contact@theguardianservice.co.uk
• phone 0333 733 8448

You have 6 months to raise a concern from when you first became aware of the issue, although an organisation can extend this time limit if there is good reason to do so.

Help is available from the Independent National Whistleblowing Officer (INWO) who can investigate how concerns have been handled and how a whistleblower has been treated. The INWO website has lots of helpful information.

Annual reports

Read our Whistleblowing annual reports.

Online learning

There is training on TURAS for staff and managers about raising a concern and how to handle a concern if you are the manager approached. Access online learning at National Whistleblowing Standards training on Turas Learn.

Whistleblowing Champion

NHS Highland’s Whistleblowing Champion is Albert Donald. Bert’s role is an independent and impartial role, nationally appointed, and as a Non-Executive Director demonstrates the Board’s leadership of, and commitment to, the Standards.

email albert.donald@nhs.scot