RCN guidance launched to help you speak out

Published: 12 March 2013

New guidance will help support RCN members who need to raise their concerns about problems in the workplace.

The RCN has always encouraged members to speak out and not wait for things to go wrong but acknowledges this can be difficult to do. 

The new resource builds on previous guidance issued by the RCN, providing information to support members raising concerns wherever they work. It covers the practicalities, such as timescales, who to raise the concern with and the basic steps you should follow. It also answers many of the questions you may have about raising a concern confidentially, the support you can expect and how you can contact the RCN for additional help.

The RCN believes it is everyone’s responsibility to be aware of the importance of preventing and eliminating wrongdoing at work and the RCN advises that while registered nurses must follow the NMC code of conduct at all times, other members of the team should also use it to guide their practice.

But writing in an email to activists RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary Dr Peter Carter said that members have told the RCN they have been victimised for raising concerns and many fear what impact it will have on their careers.

“In the wake of the Francis report, it has perhaps never been more important for nursing staff to be supported when it comes to raising concerns,” said Dr Carter.

Access the guidance at www.rcn.org.uk/publications. RCN members can contact the RCN whistleblowing hotline on
0345 772 6300.