ALONGSIDE 26 other health organisations, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and the General Pharmaceutical Council are signatories to a charter just launched by NHS Employers (p418). "Speaking up" outlines a commitment by these organisations — royal colleges, professional bodies, trade unions and regulators — to work with employers to support staff when they raise a concern or safety issue at work. Can such a document make a real difference in practice or is it merely a vehicle for warm words? Signatories have pledged to work to create a just culture — something particularly close to the heart of the RPS, which has been campaigning on this front for many months. The charter emphasises that such a culture would lead to increased reporting and sharing of incidents, and improve practice. It also states that individuals providing care services should always feel free to raise concerns through local processes. What's not to like?
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