In the 2022 NHS Staff Survey, 83% of workers at First Community Health and Care agreed with the question “I feel confident to speak up about anything that concerns me in my organisation.” This is the highest score across all NHS organisations, with the national average being 61.5%.
First Community delivers community healthcare services in East Surrey and the surrounding area, providing nursing and therapy services, children and family services as well as a Community Inpatient Ward and Minor Injury Unit at Caterham Dene Hospital.
Talking about First Community’s positive speaking up culture, Florence Barras, Chair of the Board says: “As an employee-owned social enterprise we are committed to listening to each other, learning lessons and improving patient care. It’s who we are and these principles are fully embedded in our organisations culture and DNA.
“I’m really proud of the open, compassionate and inclusive culture we have at First Community and we have several speaking up mechanisms in place for colleagues to share their views and be heard.
“Our Floor to Board process allows employees to contact an executive or non-executive Board member directly within five minutes if they have a concern.
“Our Council of Governor’s are elected representatives who meet regularly with myself and Sarah Tomkins, Chief Executive to address issues of importance.
“We also have two Freedom to Speak Up guardians who provide a confidential safe space to raise concerns, along with a comprehensive Raising Concerns policy and additional guidance to support our workforce.
“We continually encourage our employees to have conversations when they feel that something isn’t right, and this is reflected in the 83% response rate which has significantly improved from 75% the previous year.
“Our speaking up approach is an integral step towards learning and improvement and means that everyone is empowered to raise concerns, lead change and celebrate learning.”
This case study appears in the National Guardian’s Office 2022-23 Annual Report