St Andrew’s Healthcare has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a workplace culture where speaking up is safe, valued, and leads to meaningful change, as part of National Speak Up Week (October 13–17).

The charity has officially taken the Speak Up pledge, aligning with the nationwide campaign originally launched by the National Guardian’s Office (NGO). The initiative is designed to empower healthcare workers to raise concerns without fear, and to ensure those concerns are heard and acted upon.

At the heart of the campaign is the work of St Andrew’s Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) Guardians. The charity has expanded its network to include 17 newly recruited FTSU ambassadors, alongside its eight existing Guardians. These ambassadors are undergoing intensive training to confidently triage concerns and support staff across all departments.

Angela Shaw, Associate Director of Patient Safety and FTSU Lead, said: “We’ve been working very hard across the charity to ensure everyone understands that speaking up isn’t the end of the conversation – it’s where real change begins. We’re creating a workplace culture where speaking up is safe, valued, and leads to meaningful change.”

This year’s national theme, “Follow Up,” has inspired St Andrew’s to enhance its feedback mechanisms. Staff who raise concerns are now supported with timely updates on the actions taken, helping to build trust and reinforce the charity’s CARE values: Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.

To raise awareness, the FTSU team has been actively engaging with wards and teams, distributing posters and visual aids across all sites. Front-line staff have also received enhanced training on care standards and best practices to further embed a culture of openness and accountability.

Dr Vivienne McVey, Chief Executive of St Andrew’s Healthcare, added: “Creating a culture where speaking up is safe, valued, and acted upon is not optional – it’s essential. Our Speak Up programme empowers every member of staff to raise concerns confidently, knowing their voice will be heard. We are committed to listening, following up, and continuously improving the care we provide.”

The charity has also benefited from the guidance of Helené Donnelly OBE, a pioneer of the NHS Freedom to Speak Up Guardian role, whose support has helped shape the programme’s development.

Founded nearly 200 years ago, St Andrew’s Healthcare specialises in complex mental health care and works in partnership with the NHS and other organisations. Its participation in National Speak Up Week reflects a broader commitment to patient safety and staff wellbeing.

The NGO, established in 2016, continues to lead efforts across the healthcare sector to promote safe and supportive environments for raising concerns. Today, more than 1,200 FTSU Guardians operate across NHS and independent organisations, helping staff speak up about issues that affect their ability to deliver high-quality care.