Question reference: S5W-27227
- Asked by: Gail Ross, MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 3 February 2020
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Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Jeane Freeman on 4 February 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether dedicated, non-executive Whistleblowing Champions have been appointed to all NHS boards.
Answer
The Whistleblowing Champion appointments round has now concluded and I am pleased with the level of interest we have had in these posts. I have stressed the importance of these roles and have been clear from the outset that the right people with the right skills should be appointed.
This was a substantial exercise, and I am grateful for Rosemary Agnew, the Scottish Public Service Ombudsman’s involvement as the independent panel member. 139 applications were received and we have been able to appoint dedicated Whistleblowing Champions to 19 of the 22 Boards, including all the territorial Boards. The successful candidates will start in their positions from early February, and appropriate training and support will be provided.
A further appointments round will take place shortly for the 3 remaining Boards. For those 3 Boards, the incumbent Whistleblowing Champions will temporarily continue in their roles. This will ensure that NHS staff in all Boards feel able to raise concerns and are confident that they will be supported when they do.
Work has now commenced on identifying candidates for the 3 remaining national Boards. It is anticipated that the process to appoint Whistleblowing Champions to these Boards will conclude before the summer recess.