Annual Whistleblowing Report - April 2025 – March 2026

Introduction

It has been another challenging year for Health and Social Care in Scotland and as such, the Scottish Ambulance Service and its staff have faced continued pressures. It remains a priority that staff are encouraged and supported to speak up about any concerns they have.

The Service continues to promote a culture of openness and transparency aligned with NHS Scotland values. This report outlines the response to national whistleblowing arrangements, the handling of concerns, and the organisational learning from investigations between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026.

KPI 1 – Learning and Improvements

Governance and Assurance

Clear processes are in place for raising concerns, with confidential contacts available via the intranet and public website. A new external submission form has been introduced for those unable to access internal systems.

Actions arising from whistleblowing concerns are overseen by the Patient Safety and Clinical Risk Group. Improvements include stronger Executive oversight and a move from Datix to InPhase, enabling improved reporting and trend tracking.

Examples of Actions

  • Introduction of a Whistleblowing Detriment Risk Assessment Form
  • Updated guidance for managers and investigators
  • Enhanced support for investigators

KPI 2 – Experience of Participants

Feedback from confidential contacts, investigators and Executive Team members highlighted increased awareness of the standards, recognition of strong support structures, and ongoing challenges with complexity and timescales.

Key strengths:

  • Concerns are taken seriously and investigated fairly
  • Good engagement and communication from confidential contacts
  • Strong governance and organisational commitment

Areas for improvement:

  • Improving investigation timescales
  • Providing clearer process visibility
  • Stronger validation of concerns

KPI 3 – Awareness and Training

Training on whistleblowing standards remains a priority, with access via TURAS and internal communications. Confidential contacts and investigators are trained to support concerns across the organisation.

Intranet Usage (24/25)

  • Home page: 324 staff (1.7k visits)
  • Confidential contacts: 228 staff
  • Toolbox: 84 staff
  • Overview: 12 staff
  • FAQs: 36 staff

Whistleblowing Network

A peer support network for confidential contacts meets quarterly to share best practice. There are currently 9 confidential contacts. The network also engages with national forums and the Scottish Speak Up Network.

Speak Up Week 2025

A programme of recorded sessions and internal communications promoted speaking up. The initiative was well received and generated follow-up engagement.

KPI 4 – Total Concerns

25 concerns received between April 2025 and March 2026.

KPI 5 – Concerns Progression

Of 25 concerns:

  • 2 progressed under whistleblowing (1 Stage 1, 1 Stage 2)
  • 13 handled as business-as-usual
  • 10 required no further action

KPI 6 – Outcomes

  • Stage 1: 1 case – Not upheld (100%)
  • Stage 2: 0 completed (1 ongoing)

KPI 7 – Timeliness

  • Stage 1: 51 working days (target: 5)
  • Stage 2: Not available (ongoing)

KPI 8 – Within Timescales

  • Stage 1: 0% within target
  • Stage 2: Not applicable

KPI 9 & 10 – Extensions

All cases at both stages had authorised extensions, with regular updates provided (100%).

Reflections

While concerns have increased, investigation numbers remain stable due to improved early resolution processes. Anonymous submissions have increased via the public form.

A new programme of work is underway to strengthen culture and psychological safety, supporting staff to speak up. Learning from external review processes has also informed improvements.

Timeliness remains a key challenge due to complexity of investigations, though ongoing engagement with whistleblowers is maintained.

Next Steps

  • Further refine processes and governance
  • Increase sharing of learning while maintaining confidentiality
  • Embed new risk assessment tools
  • Plan Speak Up Week 2026

Conclusion

Despite challenges, meaningful progress has been made in strengthening whistleblowing processes, training, and engagement. The Service will continue enhancing governance, promoting openness, and embedding learning through 2026/27.