Freedom to Speak Up Guardians 

An open culture is something that needs to be actively supported and protected. That insight underpins our support for Freedom to Speak Up Guardians. 

There are now over 330 Freedom to Speak Up Guardians promoting the speak up agenda at independent providers. This represents an increase of over 70% since the beginning of 2022. 

These Guardians work across over 220 independent provider groups. We know from discussions with members and by analysing the data that organisations take different approaches to how the role operates within the sector, with some guardians based at site- and/or corporate level. 

We welcome the increase in the number of Guardians in the sector, but recognise there is more to do, both by encouraging more organisations to appoint these roles, and by continuing to spread awareness of the vital function that they perform.

“The speaking up programme is essential to any workplace. (They) listened to my concerns and provided me with confidence that I was doing the right thing in speaking up. I will be forever grateful for their support and confidentiality.”
– HCA Healthcare UK