SOM Leadership Series no 6: Leadership and speaking up

FREE for SOM Members (please log in on the SOM website first). 

“Leadership and speaking up” Dr Henrietta Hughes, NHS National Guardian What is the value of speaking up? Henrietta will provide case examples that highlight the importance and value of doing so. Too often, says Henrietta Hughes, “the policies of the past have not fostered a culture where people feel safe to speak up”. When NHS workers’ warnings about poor care, unsafe practices or bad management are not heard and acted on, says Hughes, “we see the consequences. Leaders need to be able to ask the right questions of the board, and to challenge them on actions that are underway”. She explains that Guardians use their discretion in deciding how to handle issues – from having a quiet word with a colleague of the complainant, to requesting a full-blown independent investigation.

Dr Henrietta Hughes was appointed in July 2016 as the National Guardian for the NHS, a key recommendation from the Francis Inquiry into the events at Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust. She provides leadership and support to Freedom to Speak Up Guardians across England in NHS and Independent sector organisations, and other parts of the healthcare sector, with a view to making speaking up business as usual.

This event is worth 1 CPD Hour. FREE for SOM Members (please log in on the SOM website). You will then be sent a link to register on the Adobe Connect Webinar platform.