Freedom to Speak Up Pathway Confidence

A trusted Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) pathway shows staff that raising concerns is welcome and acted upon. By clarifying routes, resourcing the guardian role, and sharing learning, practices reinforce a well-led culture.

Build the pathway around three promises

• People know how to raise issues: promote the guardian, confidential routes, and alternative contacts in case the concern involves usual managers.
• Concerns are handled with care: document triage steps, timescales, and links to safeguarding or whistleblowing duties.
• Feedback closes the loop: explain what happens after a concern, how confidentiality is protected, and when the guardian will follow up.

Support the guardian role

• Provide protected time, supervision, and training so the guardian can respond promptly.
• Maintain a secure log of concerns, themes, and actions with anonymised details that leadership can review.
• Connect with regional or ICS guardian networks to share insight and access specialist guidance when cases are complex.

Keep communication regular

• Include short FTSU updates in team briefings, newsletters, and induction sessions.
• Publish anonymised stories that show how speaking up led to change, while protecting identities.
• Align messaging with HR, safeguarding, and patient safety leads so staff see a single, coherent approach.

Monitor and evidence the pathway

• Record the number of concerns, response times, and actions completed each quarter.
• Track whether trends link to particular teams, locations, or service changes and escalate patterns quickly.
• Store guardian appointment letters, promotional materials, and thematic summaries together for inspection readiness.

Take action this month

Review all current communication materials and update contact details, response commitments, and confidentiality statements. Use the opportunity to highlight premium training decks, case log templates, and escalation flowcharts that can deepen support across multi-site teams.

Disclaimer

This guidance is for general information. It is not a substitute for legal, clinical, or specialist advice. Always seek professional support tailored to your practice.