The call for contributions to the Freedom to Speak Up Review closed last week.
I have received hundreds of detailed contributions from a wide range of staff working in the NHS and other organisations.
I am grateful for how candid and helpful people have been in making their contributions: it must have been very difficult for some people to talk about their experiences in this way and I believe they have performed a significant public service in taking the time to do this.
My team and I will now review all the contributions to draw out key themes on barriers and obstacles, and ideas and solutions on how to overcome them.
I have already had a number of very helpful meetings with various individuals and organisations at which I have been able to explore some general issues and ideas. I now intend to meet with a small number of individuals and organisations to follow up on specific points made in their contributions. These meetings will take place during October, and will help me to explore some particular challenges and options for resolving them. But while time will not permit us to meet all those who have written in, I’d like to be clear that everyone’s contribution is important to me and will be taken into account as I develop my findings and recommendations.
Once we have conducted an analysis of all the material people have provided, including findings of the quantitative and qualitative research I have commissioned, I will hold a series of seminars to explore challenges and emerging recommendations. We will be inviting a cross-section of interested individuals, organisations and sectors to participate in the seminars. Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate everyone who would like to take part in the events, but we will share key discussion points from the seminars on our website shortly afterwards.
I would like to give my sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to the review so far, whether by completing our online form, joining a meeting or participating in the research studies. Your contributions to this review are, and will continue to be, invaluable.