Whistleblowing: Raising and escalating concerns Professor Kay Caldwell – 28 th January 2016

Definitions matter | 2Care Certificate

© Middlesex University Complaining This is when you are raising a concern about the way you have been treated. You should use the organisation’s complaints policy

© Middlesex University Safeguarding This relates to the reporting of an allegation or suspicion that a vulnerable individual (adult or child) is being abused. All organisations must have a safeguarding policy

© Middlesex University Patient safety In healthcare most organisations have a specific policy for reporting patient safety concerns, in non-health settings safety concerns would be included within their safeguarding policy Care Certificate| 5

© Middlesex University Whistleblowing Reporting concerns about malpractice in an organisation that poses a risk to employees or the public is often referred to as whistleblowing. Care Certificate| 6

Whistleblowing | 7Care Certificate

© Middlesex University Types of malpractice Corruption Illegality Neglect Putting people at risk Staff misconduct Discriminatory practice Includes ‘covering up’ or failure to act when concerns are raised

© Middlesex University Examples of whistleblowing Health – mid-Staffs neglect of patients Police – failure to address sexual exploitation of children in Rotherham Social work- culture of bullying in East Cheshire Education – extremism in faith schools Care Certificate| 9

© Middlesex University Why do bad things happen? We do what is expected and if others appear comfortable it is hard to resist If we do not see the direct impact do we become less sensitive? Good people do bad things - role of context? Care Certificate| 10

Raising a concern | 11Care Certificate

© Middlesex University Who should raise a concern? Anyone who has a concern, whether they are an employee, a student on placement, a visitor, customer or service user

© Middlesex University How should a concern be raised? In accordance with the organisation’s policy. This may be called Raising and Escalating Concerns or Whistleblowing. Students will also have guidance from the relevant professional body and their University. They can also seek support from the University in raising their concern.

© Middlesex University Stage 1 - internal Initially you should raise your concerns to your line manager, or direct supervisor. In many cases the issue causing concern will be addressed, and you should be kept informed about action being taken..

© Middlesex University Stage 2 - internal If it is not possible to raise the concern with your line manager or direct supervisor, or if they are not addressing your concern, then you should escalate to the person in the organisation that is designated in the policy.

© Middlesex University Stage 3 - External If your concerns have been escalated to the highest level in the organisation, but have still not been addressed, you should raise them with either a regulatory body or helpline

© Middlesex University Raising concerns publically Raising your concern publically is a last resort, and carries risks. In extreme cases you should always seek expert professional and legal advice.

© Middlesex University

How do we stop bad things happening? Ensure ethical considerations where a tension exists Balancing pressures, anxieties, emotion and the challenge of caring for people with many needs Reflective practice and peer review Holding ourselves and others to account Respectful challenge when it is needed

© Middlesex University Remember! The right thing to do is not always easy, but: The Public Interests Disclosure Act 1998 protects whistleblowers against victimisation and dismissal Professional bodies and national helplines can provide free advice on raising concerns – guidance from NMC As students, and if you wish, the University will support you throughout the process of raising a concern