We may all experience difficulties with others as part of our working life. We want all colleagues to feel safe, confident and able to speak to others when this happens. Having open, honest, and respectful conversations in line with Our Behaviours should be welcomed but also valued as an opportunity to learn and improve.
When issues or differences arise, starting a conversation with the person or people involved can help you both quickly understand the problem from different perspectives and find solutions that work for all involved. This can prevent issues becoming something that damages your relationship and/or requires formal, timely and stressful action.
Sometimes people may not be aware that their words or actions have caused you concern. A good intention by one person may feel like a personal judgement on them from another. By respectfully and calmly bringing this to their attention, you can help them recognise their behaviour as unhelpful so they can consider what they may need to change. A conversation can also help you to understand what may be behind that person’s behaviour as there can often be underlying factors.
We recognise that a conversation may not always be enough or appropriate, and in those times there are other ways you can voice your concerns.
Speaking up
We all have the right and responsibility to speak when we have concerns. This can be anything that gets in the way of you undertaking your duties professionally or that affects your working life, safety or happiness. For example:
- a way of working or a process that isn’t being properly followed
- you feel you or a colleague is being discriminated against
- you feel the behaviour of others is affecting your wellbeing, that of your colleagues or those who use our services.
Options for Speaking Up
In the first instance, and if you feel safe and confident to do so, have a conversation with the person(s) involved.
If having a conversation with those involved isn’t possible or appropriate, you can consider the following options.
- Raise the issue with your manager, the person’s manager or another people leader you feel comfortable to confide in.
- Speak to one of our Speak Up Supporters who will help direct you to appropriate routes for your concerns and support (if you feel you need it).
- Contact a Trade Union representative if you’re a member.
- Follow one of our formal conduct policies.
- Raise a concern with askHR through Halo or call the team on 0131 469 5555.
- If your concerns don’t fall under one of our policies or you wish to remain completely anonymous, you can consider our Whistleblowing Policy.
Our Speak Up Supporters
Our new Speak Up Supporters are a key part of our commitment to ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to have their voice heard and raise concerns in the workplace. They’re colleagues that have volunteered to take on this additional role and you can go to them if you have a concern and are unsure how to take it forward. They’ll help you decide how best to proceed.
What a Speak Up Supporter can do
Our Speak Up Supporters can offer support and guidance to anyone who wishes to raise concerns. They can:
- signpost suitable routes for raising concerns, advise on the options available, relevant policies and contacts including trade union representatives (if appropriate)
- help you understand your responsibility to pursue your issue through the most appropriate existing channel, for example, through line management and informal resolution options or our formal policies
- explain what sources of support are open to you if you’ve experienced or witnessed unacceptable behaviours
- promote awareness of speaking up and develop ways to encourage colleagues to raise concerns as soon as possible
- help ensure that the speak up message reaches any groups that may face barriers to their voice being heard.
What a Speak Up Supporter cannot do
Our Speak Up Supporters are a source of knowledge and support for you when things aren’t right, however they're not able to:
- take on responsibility (on your behalf) or act as your representative
- tell you what to do
- do things on your behalf.
Find out how to contact our Speak Up Supporters on our intranet (the Orb). If you don’t have access, you can sign up to access the Orb using with your personal email address using a simple form.