Speaking up data

• Concerns related to worker safety or wellbeing rose by a significant 36 per cent to 14,171 cases, representing 39 per cent of all cases raised.
• Inappropriate behaviours and attitudes were the most commonly reported issue for the second consecutive year, featuring in 40 per cent of all cases.
• Bullying or harassment was a factor in 18 per cent of cases.
• Concerns related to patient safety or quality comprised 18 per cent of cases in 2024/25, a decrease from 19 per cent in 2022/23 and sustaining a downward trajectory.
• Only 3 per cent of cases in 2024/25 indicated detriment for speaking up, a 1 per cent decrease from four per cent in 2022/23.
• The proportion of cases raised anonymously rose to 12 per cent, a 45 per cent increase in volume from 2023/24, the largest percentage change across all themes.
• 9,369 pieces of feedback received in total, 80 per cent of the workers who spoke up would speak up again

Latest figures

On a quarterly basis, Freedom to Speak Up Guardians are expected to share non-identifiable information with the National Guardian’s Office about the speaking up cases raised with them. This information provides invaluable insight into the implementation of Freedom to Speak Up.

For detailed data reported to the National Guardian’s Office please see below

Why is speaking up data important?

The data Freedom to Speak Up Guardians submit provides invaluable insight into the implementation of the Freedom to Speak Up.

The data also helps provide confidence – and assists in learning and improvement – for the colleagues and organisations they support, and other Freedom to Speak Up Guardians.

NHS England use this data, along with other indicators and intelligence, to inform their thinking around where to offer improvement support in relation to Freedom to Speak Up.

NHS England also upload this information to the Model Health System. Freedom to Speak Up Guardians and leaders can use this service to build a more holistic picture of their organisation’s speaking up culture.