50. We accept this recommendation. The Department has accepted in principle
the recommendations made by Sir Robert Francis QC in his Freedom to Speak Up
report; and has consulted on a package of measures to support implementation of
the principles and actions that he set out in that report.
51. The consultation, which closed on 4 June 2015, focused on how measures can
be implemented locally, the role of national bodies, the role and title of the Freedom
to Speak Up Guardian, and standards for professionals on how to raise concerns.
The Department’s response to the consultation, including measures to better support
whistleblowers in future, are described earlier in this document.
52. In particular, a new Independent National Officer for whistleblowing will be
hosted by the Care Quality Commission. This role will provide national leadership not
just on the treatment of whistleblowers but on how providers respond to the concerns
raised by staff. The Care Quality Commission already look at how providers respond
to complaints, other forms of patient feedback and how well the provider engages its
staff; in the future the Care Quality Commission will also consider in its inspection
programme whether providers respond receptively to issues raised by staff. The
Department’s response also sets out measures to facilitate a Freedom to Speak Up
Guardian in every Trust.