Freedom to Speak Up Report July 2025
Meeting: Trust Board – Public Meeting
Date: 9 July 2025
Report Title: Freedom to Speak Up
Agenda Item: PUB25/07/6.1
Authors: Kym Gillingham and Dani Marshall, The Guardian Service
Lead Director: Neill Moloney, Chief Executive Officer
Purpose: Discussion/Review
Link to CQC domain:
- Caring
- Responsive
- Effective
- Well-led
- Safe
Link to EEAST’s Strategic Mission:
- People Mission
Link to Strategic Risk:
- SR2 Quality Governance
Equality Impact Assessment: No negative impact identified
Purpose: To inform the Board on Freedom to Speak Up and provide detailed reports for the Trust for cultural improvements.
Recommendation: All suggestions and recommendations as outlined within the report.
Executive Summary:
From 01 April to 31 May 2025, a total of 31 cases have been recorded, with a noticeable decrease in concerns over the past two months compared to the average figures recorded of 20 per month. It is unknown to the Guardians as to why there has been a decrease in numbers. The Trust’s recent initiatives to enhance the visibility of the Freedom to Speak Up service, alongside broader efforts to improve organisational culture, indicates a positive step that may help address concerns of this nature.
Key Issues / Risks:
Most of the concerns raised have been categorised under "Systems and Process," with 14 cases recorded. This is followed by "Management Issues" with 12 cases. The figures under “Systems and Process” range from recruitment issues, Employee Relations case processes taking too long, and staff members not adhering to policies and procedures. For “Management Issues” these concerns are variations of alleged unprofessional and unsupportive behaviours by management. The themes have been discussed with the relevant departments and leaders, and the Guardians have been made aware of the actions the Trust wish to take.
