Social Care News

Older People's Commissioner: we must change attitudes to whistleblowers

The Older People's Commissioner for Wales, Sarah Rochira, has published a report calling for a change in workplace attitudes to whistleblowers who raise concerns about poor health and social care practices.

Her report, 'Protection of older people in Wales: Raising concerns in the workplace', published today (December 20), was based on extensive research carried out for her by Cardiff University.

Ms Rochira said her report, "makes a strong case for change in workplace culture in health and social care in Wales so that older people, and others, are better protected from harm".

She added: "As Older People’s Commissioner, I have a particular role in ensuring that older people are safeguarded and protected, which is why I commissioned extensive research on workplace culture and raising concerns.

“Today I publish a report that identifies the ways in which workplace culture can affect the extent to which workers feel able to raise concerns about poor care and mistreatment. The report gives voice to those who work with older people on a daily basis, many of whom are unrecognised for the valuable work they do, highlighting the need for greater assistance in raising concerns at an early stage.

She announced her intention to set up a National Development Board with partners, including Jan Wood of the Academy of Care Practitioners, to collaborate on changing workplace culture.

The board will meet three times a year and work out strategies for tackling workplace culture so that people working in health and social care feel more able to report unsafe practices.

•  Read the Older People's Commissioner's call for change in workplace culture