Criteria 

Types of evidence 

Essential/desirable 

Individual has been through a formal process of raising concerns in the NHS, the subject of which relates to a risk or presented as malpractice or wrongdoing and suffered significant adverse impact as a result 

Evidence from 1 of the following: 

• outcome letter of concerns raised 
• meeting notes
• supporting statements from people that helped you speak up, for example, staff network chair, trade union representative, chaplain/or other faith support, or a work colleague
• Freedom to Speak Up guardian
• GP notes
• investigation terms of reference and/or report
• occupational health report
• other suitable evidence

Essential 

Made reasonable attempts to work with their organisation to resolve any differences resulting from the outcome of the speak up process 

Evidence from 1 of the following

• personal statement 
• statement from the employer, the Freedom to Speak Up guardian/human resources, union representative or professional support
• evidence mediation has been attempted 
• any other suitable evidence 

Essential 

Can demonstrate the negative impact that speaking up has had 

• generic examples of negative experience and impact selected in the application form               

Essential 

Can demonstrate how the scheme will benefit them to move on personally and professionally 

• personal statement with examples of future goals or desired outcomes

Essential 

Open to participate in all the scheme aspects 

• signed consent form
• initial health and wellbeing assessment
• attend one-to-one sessions and group sessions
• take part in evaluation of programme

Essential 

Is a past or present NHS worker* 

• past and present NHS workers to provide the details of NHS organisation worked/working for and position held in application form
• organisation recommends that you take part in the scheme. 

*A past NHS worker is someone who has previously worked for the NHS within the last 3 years. 

Essential 

Desirable 

Essential 

Must not have taken part in any previous NHS Speaking Up Support Scheme, previous  whistleblowing support schemes including the pilot scheme 

Essential