NHS Ayrshire & Arran promotes and strives for a culture of psychological safety, where staff and those who provide services on our behalf have the confidence to speak up and all voices are heard.
This has been focused on through our organisational values of Caring, Safe, and Respectful.
The national Whistleblowing Standards are an important strand that supports our ambition for an open and honest organisational culture.
What is whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing is when someone providing a service for the NHS in Scotland, speaks up – in the public interest – about something that has either happened, or not happened yet, that could cause a risk of harm or wrongdoing.
The Independent National Whistleblowing Officer website has a full definition of whistleblowing and some examples of the kind of things that might be classed as whistleblowing.
Speak Up and contact us
NHS Ayrshire & Arran is committed to providing a whistleblowing service that is compassionate, effective and encourages staff to speak up if they have concerns. The organisation ensures that every concern raised is treated with respect and individuals are listened to.
We recognises that a culture of feeling psychologically safe to raise issues is essential for continual progress and the delivery of high-quality care.
Confidential Contacts
If you have a concern you wish to report, you can do so by first contacting one of our Confidential Contacts for advice.
Confidential Contacts are designated staff members who, in addition to their day jobs, act as the first point of contact for individuals wishing to raise a concern. They provide a safe space to speak to someone independent for advice.
Getting in touch with a Confidential Contact is not a submission of a formal whistleblowing concern, but can be a helpful precursor to the formal Speak Up process. Confidential Contacts do not have a role in the investigations or ongoing management of whistleblowing cases, but can always be used, at any stage, as a source of support.
You can also contact a Speak Up Advocate.
Our Speak Up Advocates offer a broader, locally developed support route, giving confidential signposting on issues such as:
- culture
- behaviours
- team dynamics
- wellbeing
They promote psychological safety, help staff understand available pathways, and complement the formal Confidential Contact role.
Contact a Confidential Contact or Speak Up Advocate
To discuss a concern, you can contact our Speak Up Advocates or our Confidential Contacts.
Contact usIf you want to raise a whistleblowing concern directly, you can:
- contact the Speak Up email: aa.speakup@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
- get in touch through the telephone helpline: 01292 616970
Telephone calls go direct to voicemail and are picked up/actioned the same working day.
Who can raise a concern under the Standards?
The Standards apply to all those providing NHS services, whether directly or indirectly. This includes
- current and former employees,
- bank and agency workers,
- primary care providers (GP and dental practices, community pharmacies and opticians),
- contractors who work with and provide service on behalf of NHS Ayrshire & Arran,
- trainees and students,
- volunteers (including third sector),
- anyone working alongside NHS staff such are our colleagues within the Health & Social Care Partnerships
Training
Those who provide services on behalf of the NHS are encouraged to undertake the National Whistleblowing Standards training. Find out how to access the National Whistleblowing Standards training.
Watch the video below to listen to Jenny Wilson, Nurse Director talk about The National Whistleblowing Standards
Quarterly Reports 2025-26
- Whistleblowing Q4 report (January 2026 to March 2026)
- Whistleblowing Q3 report (October to December 2025)
- Whistleblowing Q2 report (July to September 2025)
- Whistleblowing Q1 report (April to June 2025)