I work in care and want to raise a concern
If you raise a genuine concern about patient safety or wrongdoing, the law protects you from being treated badly or dismissed for it.
The interactive version is available in 6 languages and Easy Read.
Your rights
- Protection from detriment or dismissal for making a protected disclosure.
- To raise concerns with a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian (in the NHS) or a prescribed body such as the CQC.
- To bring an Employment Tribunal claim if you're victimised. Strict time limits apply.
What to do next
- Write down your concern factually, with dates.
- Raise it with your manager or Speak Up Guardian first if it's safe to do so.
- You can go straight to a regulator (the CQC, NMC or HCPC) if you need to.
- The whistleblowing charity Protect offers free, confidential advice.
Say this
“I'm raising a concern in the public interest and I'd like it treated as a protected disclosure.”
The law behind it (England)
- Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998protected disclosures
- Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014Reg.17 good governance
Elsewhere in the UK
- Scotland
- In Scotland, NHS staff can also use the Independent National Whistleblowing Officer.
- Wales
- The Public Interest Disclosure Act applies in Wales.
- Northern Ireland
- In Northern Ireland, the Public Interest Disclosure (NI) Order 1998 applies.
Easy Read
What you need to know
- You work in care.
- You are worried about safety or something wrong.
- The law protects you when you speak up.
- You must not be punished for it.
What you can do
- Write down what you saw and when.
- Tell your manager or Speak Up Guardian.
- You can also tell the CQC.
Last reviewed: November 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. How we check our information.