The National Whistleblowing Standards (the Standards) came into effect across NHS Scotland on 1 April 2021.
NHS Borders promotes and strives for a culture of psychological safety, where staff and those who provide services on our behalf have the confidence to speak up and all voices are heard. The national Whistleblowing Standards are an important strand that supports our ambition for an open and honest organisational culture.
The process encourages staff, healthcare students & volunteers to raise concerns at the first opportunity to do so and supports and protects people when they do.
The approach adopts the Standards highlighted on the webpages of the Independent National Whistleblowing Officer (INWO) webpages which can be found at: National Whistleblowing Standards | INWO (spso.org.uk)
Whistleblowing is always about acting in the wider public interest to ensure public safety and avoid other harm. It can usually be distinguished from an individual grievance.
Lynne Livesey is a Non-Executive Director member of the NHS Borders Board and she is the Whistleblowing Champion. Lynne is contactable at lynne.livesey@nhs.scot
Lynne is very keen to emphasise the important role of staff in highlighting concerns as soon as these arise, so that these can be addressed promptly and professionally as part of business as usual. Staff are “our eyes and ears” and key to ensuring we deliver to the best of our ability in the public interest to ensure public safety and avoid other harm.
Iris Bishop, Board Secretary took on responsibility for NHS Borders Whistleblowing Coordinator/Policy Lead and INWO Liaison Officer in February 2024 and is contactable at iris.bishop@nhs.scot
Who can raise a concern under the new Standards?
The whistleblowing arrangements ensure that anyone delivering services for NHS Borders can safely raise concerns.
The aim of whistleblowing is to make sure everyone who works for NHS Borders can raise concerns when they
- See harm which risks patient safety
- Are aware of any other forms of wrongdoing
The Standards apply to all those providing NHS services, whether directly or indirectly. This includes
- current and former employees,
- bank and agency workers,
- primary care providers (GP and dental practices, community pharmacies and opticians),
- contractors who work with and provide services on behalf of NHS Borders,
- trainees and students,
- volunteers (including third sector),
- non-executive directors and anyone working alongside NHS staff such are our colleagues within the Health & Social Care Partnership