North Thames Foundation Schools
Whistleblowing
Foundation Schools commitment
The Foundation Schools fully support trainees’ rights to raise responsibly their concerns about the
organisation within which they work or other organisations associated with it. All NHS bodies are required
to have whistleblowing policies and you are encouraged to use these if you have a genuine concern about
the issues identified below.
What is whistleblowing?
Employees’ legal rights are detailed in the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. The Act provides protection
for people raising concerns about:
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Breaches of civil and criminal law
Miscarriages of justice
Dangers to health and safety and the environment
Cover up of any of the above
Each Trust will have its own whistleblowing policy to allow for these concerns to be addressed locally. This
may be available on the Trust website or intranet or alternatively directly by request from their
Personnel/Human Resources Department. Concerns can also be raised with the Foundation School,
Regulatory bodies, the police or the media but early resolution closest to the concern is normally the
preferred route.
Public Concern at Work describes whistleblowers as witnesses not complainants. That is to say that they
have a genuine belief or suspicion that some kind of wrongdoing has occurred and they are not motivated
by a personal grievance nor out for financial gain (e.g. selling stories to the media). The concern is usually
about others’ safety etc.
There should be no recriminations or victimisation over genuine whistleblowing even if the concern is later
proven to be unfounded.
Where to go for support/advice
Whistleblowing can be complex so it is helpful for you to discuss your concern before acting. Who can you
do this with? The Trust Policy may give you some ideas but here are some general suggestions:
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Discuss with colleagues or your team; do they see things the same way – do they have information
about the concern that you do not have
Within the Trust you could approach a senior manager such as the Medical Director or approach the
Personnel/Human Resources Department.
A representative body such as the British Medical Association.
The Foundation School Manager or Foundation School Director. Contact details are available from the
Deanery website www.londondeanery.ac.uk
Advice bodies such as Public Concern at Work www.pcaw.co.uk . They have a user friendly policy
pack for NHS staff which can be obtained from their website.
Last updated: 28 Jan 08
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North Thames Foundation Schools
Whistleblowing
Anonymity vs. Confidentiality
If concerns are raised anonymously they may not be taken as seriously. In any case it may become
obvious where the concern was raised by the nature of the information provided. Concerns cannot be
investigated properly if follow up questions cannot be asked and you may find it harder to secure protection
under the law.
If you raise concerns with organisations they are unlikely to treat you as anonymous. They should,
however, treat your complaint confidentially. This will involve not identifying you generally but only where
necessary for formal processes. You should be advised of how and when this will happen prior to it
happening. Individual Trust policies may explain this area in more detail.
Final Comments
Whistleblowing can be difficult but there is now a great deal of support for individuals to raise responsible
concerns. The Foundation School will advise and support you. Remember you have professional and
ethical responsibilities as a medical practitioner to raise concerns.
Last updated: 28 Jan 08
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