The launch of the Speaking Up charter

The CQC has joined with other regulators, professional bodies and trade unions to launch the Speaking Up charter, a commitment to work together to support people who raise concerns in the public interest.

The charter sets out a commitment to work more effectively together to create a transparent healthcare system that puts safety first, one that ensures people are fully supported to report concerns and safety issues and are treated fairly and with empathy, when they have been involved in an incident or have raised a concern.

David Behan, CQC’s Chief Executive, said: “The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is committed to helping foster and create an open and transparent culture for those who 'speak out' in the health and social care sectors. We welcome wholeheartedly this charter.

"However charters are of limited value unless they are promoted and championed by leaders in health and social care. It is important that leaders listen and act on information that they receive from those who speak out about issues of safety of services." (www.CQC.org.uk, November 12)

Those joining the CQC to sign the charter include NHS Employers, the British Medical Association, the General Medical Council, the General Dental Council, the General Pharmaceutical Council, the Royal College of Nursing, the Royal College of Midwives, the British Dental Association, the Health and Care Professions Council, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, UNISON and Unite.

It is important to provide an environment where people feel able to raise concerns, whether they are staff, users of health and social care services or their relatives.

The charter outlines a number of commitments:

•  To promote openness, transparency, fairness, reporting and learning as part of providing safer patient and public care.

•  To foster a culture of openness which supports staff to raise concerns.

•  To share expertise to create effective ways of reporting incidents and concerns early on.

•  Exchange information, where it is appropriate, in the interest of patient and public safety.

•  Signpost individuals to support and guidance to ensure that they are fully aware of and understand their protected rights under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

•    Seek to highlight issues where current law or regulations may restrict those who wish to raise a concern about a human error.

(Image by Medill DC, Flickr)