Care campaign

We are calling for proactive promotion of best practice in whistleblowing arrangements and the support available for whistleblowers. This includes training for managers on how to handle concerns, employers providing feedback, a greater awareness of rights, zero tolerance of victimisation, and guidance on when to approach relevant authorities.

Speaking up for vulnerable adults: What the whistleblowers say
Read our report examining whistleblowing in the UK care sector. Our acting director, Cathy James commented: 

“Our research demonstrates there are systemic deficiencies that prevent care workers from speaking up effectively to protect vulnerable adults. This must be addressed. We have to ensure that whistleblowers are encouraged and supported. Many of these steps are straightforward and cost effective. Employers can do so much more to protect vulnerable adults by making it safe for care workers to question wrongdoing and malpractice."

Click here for press release.

The human rights of older people receiving home-based care
The Commission for Equality and Human Rights has conducted an inquiry into the above issue. They asked us to provide evidence on the types of concerns that arose in the domicilliary work force and what happened when workers blew the whistle. See above for their final reprot and click here for our evidence. 

Care Conference
On 6 April 2011 we hosted a conference in Westminster Hall, London, to examine how to blow the whistle in the care sector and what organisations can do to ensure they have appropriate systems and safeguards in place.

See our you tube channel for a film of the day.

Speakers included:

• Margaret Haywood, RGN, who blew the whistle on poor patient care at Brighton and Sussex University Hospital Trust
• Sarah Barnett, who blew the whistle on suspicious deaths of residents at Parkfields care home, Somerset.
• Elaine Cass, Practice Development Manager, Social Care Institute for Excellence
• Martin Green, Chief Executive, English Community Care Association
• Paul Bedwell, Adult Safeguarding Lead and Business Manager, Essex County Council Safeguarding
• Louise Dineley, Head of Regulatory Risk, Care Quality Commission
• Experts from PCaW

What's next?
We our now in the second phase of our care campaign. We will be seeking the views of workers in adult social care to better understand to barriers to speaking up. Additionally we will be reviewing the system - from care provider and beyond - to assess if it is fit for purpose.

We are working closely with the Older People's Commissioner for Wales and they have commissioned us to provide a report on whistleblowing in Wales.

Call for evidence
We want to hear from you. If you have an experience that you would like to share please contact our team on 020 7404 6609 or email care@pcaw.org.uk. We are a legal advice centre and all conversations will be completely confidential.