Why NHS staff might want to speak up
We want to make our environments a positive and trustworthy place to work, train and receive care. We encourage staff to raise concerns openly or anonymously. Staff will have support and be protected if they do speak up.
Staff can raise a concern about any risk or wrongdoing they think is harming our services. This might include:
- A patient safety matter.
- Unsafe working conditions.
- Inadequate induction or training for staff. More guidance on reasonable adjustments on training can be found in the Additional support policy.
- No response or a poor response to a reported patient safety incident.
- Suspicions of fraud.
- Bullying across a team.
- Concerns about a colleague’s behaviour or personal views.
Why it is safe for staff to speak up
We want all staff to feel safe and will offer absolute protection to those that speak up in good faith. We know that some staff may feel uncertain about speaking up. If you do, it will not be held against you or cause you any detriment after speaking up.
If you are honest and acting in good faith, it does not matter if you are mistaken about your concerns.
If you raise a concern using the Raising Concerns policy, you will not be at risk of any form of reprisal.
Can you raise a concern with your line manager?
Your first point of call should be your line manager. We hope staff would feel able to raise a concern with their line manager or lead clinician.
If a concern relates to their line manager or lead clinician or are unhappy with the outcome, staff can also raise any concerns with a more senior leader.
Find out more about what to do when a staff member raises a concern, in our managers and senior leaders a guide.
Raising a concern with the Chaplaincy team
Our chaplains provide an inclusive service for people of all faiths and beliefs. They will recognise you as an individual and respect your values, age, gender, disability, cultural, and sexual orientation.
The chaplains support staff and provide:
- Pastoral, cultural, faith, belief, and spiritual support.
- A confidential, non-judgmental approach.
- Advice and support to meet specific faith and belief requests when required.
- A 24-hour, 365-day urgent response to support patients and staff.
A chaplain is available onsite between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday. There is a chaplain on call 24 hours who you can contact via the appropriate switchboard.
For Colchester, Clacton, Harwich hospitals and Essex community staff call 01206 747 474.
For Ipswich, Aldeburgh, and Felixstowe hospitals, Bluebird Lodge and Suffolk community staff call 01473 712 233.
Alternatively, all staff can email the chaplaincy team.
Raising a concern with the Counter Fraud team
The counter fraud service helps the Trust maintain an honest and open approach to our business and staff conduct.
Any activity related to fraud or bribery is not tolerated.
Staff who wish to raise a concern relating to bribes or fraud can contact Mark Kidd, our counter fraud specialist, on 07528 970 251.
Raising a concern with the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion team
Our Trust has an Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) team to promote the Trust’s values and works closely with all our staff networks.
We will promote equality, celebrate and value diversity and overcome any form of discrimination.
Find out more about our approach to creating an equal, diverse and inclusive workplace in our policy over at our staff guides section of the website.
Raising a concern with the Freedom to Speak Up team
The Freedom to Speak Up Guardian acts as an independent and impartial source of advice to staff. They can have access to anyone in the organisation or if necessary, outside the organisation.
Freedom To Speak Up is a cultural shift intended to encourage all staff to raise any concerns. There are direct channels used to link in with the Wellbeing team when they receive concerns.
The Freedom to Speak Up Guardian has many years’ work and experience in the organisation. We also have a Deputy Guardian. This increases the availability of a Guardian for staff to raise concerns.
The Freedom to Speak Up policy outlines the process.
Our Freedom to Speak Up policy is endorsed by the National Guardian. It is also in-line with the national policy. We promote the process at every induction.
If you are still unsure then talk to Tom Fleetwood, our Freedom to Speak up Guardian, by calling 07919 298 635. Or you can email the Freedom to Speak up team.
Raising a concern with the Health and Safety team
Our Health and Safety team can help staff with safety related concerns.
The team provides support across the Trust. They can support staff to achieve best practice and meet legislation standards. They also offer a range of health and safety training.
Staff can email the health and safety team to raise a concern.
Raising a concern with the Health and Wellbeing team
The Wellbeing team is there for everyone who works and volunteers at the Trust. We are there to help colleagues with life’s ups and downs at home and at work.
Raising concerns is a key part of our Health and Wellbeing service at ESNEFT.
You can contact the wellbeing team on 03003 031 361, option 3 (available from 8.30am to 4pm). You can also email the wellbeing team.
More information is available on the other services the wellbeing team provides on their own area of the website.
Raising a concern with the Human Resources team
Everyone in our Human Resources team is here to help.
We have a dedicated Employee Relations team who are experts in employment law. They provide advice on a range of topics including bullying and professional relationships. There is also guidance and help guides on the policies page.
You can contact the Employee Relations team on 03003 031 361.
Raising a concern with Occupational Health
Our Occupational Health Service is a specialist branch of medicine. Their focus is on the physical and mental wellbeing of staff in the workplace by:
- Encouraging safe working practices.
- Monitoring the health of the workforce.
- Supporting the management of sickness absence.
Staff members can self-refer for support by completing the Self-Referral form. Forms are available by emailing the Occupational Health team. A duty nurse will contact you.
The duty nurse can offer advice and support Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Contact them by email or phone to request support. The duty nurse will aim to call you back on the same day and signpost you to support services if appropriate.
Get in touch with Occupational Health
Staff based at Colchester Hospital or other areas in northeast Essex please call 01206 745 284
Staff based at Ipswich Hospital or other areas in east Suffolk please call 01473 704 011
Staff can also email the occupational health team.
Raising a concern with the Staff Governors
ESNEFT has seven staff governors who represent all of our staff. The staff governors sit on the Council of Governors. They inform the Council about popular staff views. Especially if they impact on issues of patient experience and quality of services.
You can contact them by emailing the governors generic email address.
Please do not raise issues or concerns with Staff Governors relating to individual matters.
Raising a concern with a Staff Network
Our staff networks create conversations, inclusion, and mutual understanding.
The networks support fairness for colleagues in raising concerns, our policies, and in our recruitment. You can learn more about our networks and how they support staff on their own website page.
Raising a concern with Talk to Sophie
This support service is for doctors who have had a tough day and need the support of another doctor. Talk to Sophie has a weekday rota of doctors who will meet colleagues at the end of the day.
This is an informal and voluntary service. It does not replace the hospital’s current support structures. Instead allowing doctors to receive informal advice when needed.
The confidential service is available Monday to Friday. Meetings usually occur between 4pm and 6pm. Doctors can use switchboard to contact the listener doctors between 9am and 6pm.
If the doctor(s) is not available, the BMA offers a free and confidential alternative. The BMA helpline is 03301 231 245 and is open to all doctors.
Raising a concern with the Trade unions
If you belong to a trade union, your local workplace representative is available to support you at any stage of raising a concern. They will offer emotional support and practical advice. They will also provide representation and support at meetings and discussions.
You can raise a concern openly or in confidence to your union. Your representative can escalate directly to the senior leadership team.
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