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Freedom to Speak Up

If you are concerned about anything you see or how you are treated we would encourage you to talk to your line manager or colleague. However, we know that not everyone feels able to do that. The Freedom to Speak Up Guardian supports staff to speak up when they feel they are unable to through other routes. They offer a safe, confidential source of support to discuss your concerns and find a way forward.

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Raising Concerns

If you don't feel you can raise work concerns within your team or with your line manager the Trust’s Freedom to Speak Up Guardian offers a confidential advisory service to staff who are having difficulties speaking up. Contact cuh.raisingconcerns@nhs.net or on 01223 349088.

The Speaking Up Guardian can offer support if: 

  • You are unsure about where to go for support
  • You feel unable to raise your concerns within your team/with your line manager
  • You have already raised concerns and nothing has happened
  • You are worried about the repercussions of speaking up

You can access the Speaking Up service through several routes:

  • By email to the confidential inbox monitored by the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian and Ian Walker, Director of Corporate Affairs and executive lead for raising concerns:cuh.raisingconcerns@nhs.net
  • By phone to x586535 where there is a confidential voicemail facility

In addition to speaking to your line manager or the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian, there are other sources of support available to staff at CUH below.

HR Consult Advice

This service is provided by Employee Relations colleagues to staff and managers.

HR Consult can be an employee's first port of call for any general HR issues and advice.

The team offers guidance and support about a range of employment matters including any matters of concern an employee may wish to raise. 

HR Consult: Employee relations colleagues telephone line01223 257000 (Monday to Friday, 08:00-17:00) cuh.hr.consult@nhs.net.

Trade Union/professional organisation

CUH works in partnership with Staff representatives of the various Trade Unions/professional bodies.

If you are a member of a trade union/professional organisation you can seek their advice and support across a range of employment matters including any concerns you have about patient care, your treatment of concerns for colleagues. 

You can find out further information about the organisations and contact details here

Employee Relations colleagues can also help you to contact the relevant trade union representative.

Chaplaincy

The CUH Chaplaincy service can provide confidential advice and support to staff across a broad range of matters.

This includes confidential personal support and guidance to raise any concerns. 

Chaplaincy support is available to all staff, irrespective of belief or religion, as Chaplaincy's role is to enable people to express and live out of their own beliefs, values or faith. By listening and aiding insight through reflection we help articulate your voice and feelings to the find the best path forward.

Chaplaincy: 01223 217769

If you would like to become a Speak Up Listener please complete the expression of interest form here.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaKwfa0i1sU