The procedure and when to use it
Support and protection through the procedure
Nobody should be treated unfairly as a result of raising a concern, having a whistleblowing allegation made against them, or co-operating with any investigation. If staff are victimised as a result of being involved in a whistleblowing case, this must be treated as a disciplinary matter.
Overview of the procedure for raising concerns
The procedure for raising concerns aims to provide a quick, simple and streamlined process for making sure concerns are dealt with early and locally by capable, well-trained staff. It also includes actions to make sure people who raise a concern receive any support they may need, so that the process allows people to share information safely.
All concerns are important to the organisation, and must be acted on to provide safe and effective care and treatment.
- Raising concerns through existing processes (business as usual)
- Who to raise a concern with
- Getting information or advice
- Initial discussion
- Immediate threat to safety
If someone raises a concern that needs immediate action to avoid any further risk to patient safety, action must be taken. This is likely to involve referring the matter to an appropriate senior manager, but it will depend on the situation. The person raising the concern must also be told that this will happen, and why. Any confidentiality concerns must be taken into account and discussions should cover all the same issues as the initial discussion.
Confidentiality refers to the requirement not to disclose information about the person raising a concern, unless the law says that it can or must be disclosed. This includes anyone else involved in the process, such as other witnesses.
Anonymity refers to a situation when nobody knows the identity of the member of staff who raised the concern.
The difference between a grievance and a concern
Every concern should be considered fully and properly, whatever others may say about why it has been raised. However, if a full investigation reveals that a concern was knowingly based on inaccurate information in order to create difficulties for a colleague, the organisation should take appropriate disciplinary action against the person who raised the concern.
The two-stage procedure
The two-stage procedure for raising concerns aims to provide a quick, simple and streamlined process for making sure concerns are dealt with early and locally by capable, well-trained staff. It also includes actions to make sure people who raise a concern receive any support they may need, so that the process allows people to share information safely.
What happens at each stage of the procedure?