Speaking Up Support Scheme

Applications to the Speaking Up support scheme are now open for the 2025 scheme and will close on the 19 May 2025.

Please ensure that you have read the information on this webpage for details about the support scheme and the application process.

Places are limited and subject to the eligibility criteria; please ensure you meet the eligibility criteria when applying to the scheme.

If you have any queries, please email england.speakingupscheme@nhs.net

Support to move forward after a speaking up process

The scheme provides a range of support for past and present NHS workers, who have experienced a significant adverse impact on both their professional and personal lives, to move forward following a formal speak up process.

The scheme, formerly known as the Whistleblowers Support Scheme, was created in 2019 as a response to the recommendations from the 2015 Freedom to Speak Up review. It has been revised based on learning from the previous iterations of the support scheme.

What the scheme will offer

The scheme offers:

  • health and wellbeing sessions
  • one-to-one psychological wellbeing support
  • career coaching
  • personal development group workshops
  • a range of practical support through group sessions

This support will be delivered online, via virtual platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom, by specialists in wellbeing and coaching support.

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from all NHS workers, past or current, who meet the eligibility criteria. This includes anyone who works, or has worked in the previous 3 years, in NHS healthcare, including pharmacy, optometry and dentistry. This encompasses any healthcare professionals, non-clinical workers, receptionists, directors, managers, contractors, volunteers, students, trainees, junior doctors, locum, bank and agency workers, and former workers.

Pease ensure you read the eligibility criteria before completing your application to the scheme.

Eligibility criteria for the Speaking Up Support Scheme

All applications will be scored against the following criteria; please ensure you are eligible before you apply. If you are unsure, please contact us via email: england.speakingupscheme@nhs.net

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

 

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

 

 Evidence from one 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
Can demonstrate the negative impact that speaking up has had
  • generic examples of negative experience and impact selected in the application form
Can demonstrate how the scheme will benefit them to move on personally and professionally
  • personal statement with examples of future goals or desired outcomes.
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
Must not have taken part in any previous NHS Speaking Up Support Scheme, previous  whistleblowing support schemes including the pilot scheme

We have also published a downloadable version of this eligibility criteria.

How to apply

Please read the scheme guidance and frequently asked questions before you make your application.

Please complete and submit the following online forms:

And email to us

Please use the suggested evidence table to demonstrate you meet the eligibility criteria when submitting your evidence with your application form.

Sources of advice and support

Please note some of these support offers will only be available to present NHS workers.

How NHS organisations can help/guidance for NHS organisations

The Freedom to Speak Up review (2015), conducted by Sir Robert Francis highlighted the importance of speaking up in the NHS and ensuring support is in place for individuals to speak up safely and raise concerns in their place of work without fear of reprisals. The review recognised that a number of workers lost valuable skills or even left their employment after raising a concern. This not only caused a significant adverse impact on individuals but also a loss of expertise and resource to the NHS.

We recognise there are times when speak up issues are very complex and do not always bring the resolution desired.  From experience we know these issues can impact on workers and organisations.

We encourage all NHS organisations to ensure:

  • their relevant departments, such as human resources, and their Freedom to Speak Up guardians are aware of the national Speaking Up Support Scheme offer
  • their policies and processes reflect the principles in the guide for leaders in the NHS and organisations delivering NHS services
  • workers have easy access to information on how to speak up and the Speaking Up Support Scheme, and actively refer individuals to the scheme
  • they are mindful of those workers who may have cultural barriers to speaking up or who are in lower paid roles and less confident to do so, and also those who work unsociable hours and may not always be aware of or have access to the policy or processes supporting speaking up
  • they communicate with all their workers by identifying the best channels to do so
  • they reflect on any learning to build healthy cultures in which every worker feels safe to speak up

The scheme, formerly known as the Whistleblowers Support Scheme, was created in 2019 as a response to the recommendations from the 2015 Freedom to Speak Up review. It has been revised based on learning from the previous iterations of the support scheme.

Please email the Speaking Up Support team with any enquiries.

Speaking Up Support Scheme evaluation report 2023

This report is an independent evaluation of the 2022/23 Speaking Up Support Scheme. It considers how well the support scheme enables participants to move forward in their personal and professional lives. It also identifies learning outcomes to help improve the support scheme, as well as learning outcomes for NHS organisations to better support those speaking up.