Today (6 July 2023), the National Guardian’s Office released their latest annual speaking up data report, summarising the themes and learning from the speaking up data shared by Freedom to Speak Up guardians across the UK.
The report revealed that the number of cases brought to guardians in 2022/23 was the highest recorded, a 25% increase on the previous year. During Quarter 3 of 2022 (October to December), guardians reported the highest ever number of cases raised in a single quarter, 6,947 cases.
The proportion of cases reported anonymously has decreased, indicating a growing confidence in the guardian route. In 2022/23, only 9.3% of cases were reported anonymously, compared to 17.7% in 2017.
The highest proportion of cases reported (30%) involved inappropriate behaviours and attitudes, while one in every four cases (27.4%) involved an element of worker safety or wellbeing. 19.3% of cases involved an element of patient safety/quality.
Despite the improvement in levels of anonymity, detriment for speaking up remains a concern. Although there has been a drop in percentage (to 3.9%), this still equates to 1,000 cases.
Dr Jayne Chidgey-Clark, National Guardian for the NHS, said, “No one should be punished for doing the right thing. When people speak up it is because they want things to improve – whether that is for the safety and quality of care for patients or the working environment for colleagues.”
The report concluded that 82.8% of those who gave feedback to their guardian about their experience said they would speak up again, highlighting the importance and benefits of the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian role.
Commenting on the findings, Dr Chidgey-Clark said, “My heartfelt thanks to all those who have spoken up to a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian in the past year. You have provided 25,000 opportunities for learning and improvement for the benefit of patients and colleagues.”
The National Guardian’s Office today (6 July 2023) released their annual speaking up data report, which reveals that 25,000 cases were brought to Freedom to Speak Up guardians in 2022/23 – the highest number recorded.
The report also shows that levels of anonymity are reducing, with only 9.3% of cases reported anonymously in 2022/23. Poor behaviour and its impact remains a cause for concern, with the highest proportion of cases involving inappropriate behaviours and attitudes (30%).
Commenting on the findings, Dr Jayne Chidgey-Clark, National Guardian for the NHS, said, “No one should be punished for doing the right thing. When people speak up it is because they want things to improve – whether that is for the safety and quality of care for patients or the working environment for colleagues.”
Despite the improvement in levels of anonymity, detriment for speaking up remains a concern. Although there has been a drop in percentage (to 3.9%), this still equates to 1,000 cases. Dr Chidgey-Clark concluded, “My heartfelt thanks to all those who have spoken up to a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian in the past year. You have provided 25,000 opportunities for learning and improvement for the benefit of patients and colleagues.”
The National Guardian’s Office today (6 July 2023) released their annual speaking up data report, which revealed that 25,000 cases were brought to Freedom to Speak Up guardians in 2022/23 – the highest number recorded.
The report showed that levels of anonymity are reducing, with only 9.3% of cases reported anonymously in 2022/23. Poor behaviour and its impact remains a cause for concern, with the highest proportion of cases involving inappropriate behaviours and attitudes (30%).
Commenting on the findings, Dr Jayne Chidgey-Clark, National Guardian for the NHS, said, “No one should be punished for doing the right thing. When people speak up it is because they want things to improve – whether that is for the safety and quality of care for patients or the working environment for colleagues.”
Despite the improvement in levels of anonymity, detriment for speaking up remains a concern. Although there has been a drop in percentage (to 3.9%), this still equates to 1,000 cases. Dr Chidgey-Clark concluded, “My heartfelt thanks to all those who have spoken up to a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian in the past year. You have provided 25,000 opportunities for learning and improvement for the benefit of patients and colleagues.”
Today (6 July 2023), the National Guardian’s Office released their latest annual speaking up data report, which summarises the themes and learning from the speaking up data shared by Freedom to Speak Up guardians across the UK.
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