Introduce an independent anonymous whistleblowing system for NHS staff

Background

We call on the UK Government to introduce an independent whistleblowing system for NHS staff allowing anonymous reporting, secure communication, and case tracking. It should complement existing routes, ensure confidentiality, and improve patient safety.

Additional details

Current “Freedom to Speak Up” processes are not fully anonymous and do not allow reliable follow-up, which may discourage staff from raising patient safety concerns. Healthcare professionals are expected to act on risks, but barriers to speaking up can delay action and increase harm. Anonymous systems used internationally show this is feasible and could support earlier reporting, improve transparency, and strengthen patient safety.