Ombudsman responds to appointment of new National Freedom to Speak Up Guardian

Commenting on the appointment of Dr Jayne Chidgey-Clark as the new National Guardian for Freedom to Speak Up in the NHS in England, Ombudsman Rob Behrens said:

I congratulate Jayne on her appointment to the vital role of National Guardian. Now more than ever, establishing an effective freedom to speak up culture is essential to make sure people feel empowered to raise issues and know what action will be taken as a result.

Speaking up is fundamental to the principles of learning and improvement, which should be valued and embedded across organisations for the benefit of staff and patients alike.