Behind every NHS success story are staff who care deeply but work within systems that too often ignore discrimination and bullying. Without accountability, staff suffer, patients suffer, and public trust erodes.
An Independent NHS Workforce Ombudsman will ensure fairness, protect whistleblowers, and restore safety and trust across the NHS.
According to the 2024 NHS Staff Survey:
* 18.7% of staff said they experienced bullying or harassment from colleagues or managers in the past 12 months.
* 9.1% reported discrimination at work, most commonly on the grounds of ethnic background, disability or sexual orientation.
Only half of NHS staff said they believed their organisation takes effective action against harassment and bullying.
These numbers show that the system is failing the very people who keep the NHS running.
At present, if staff experience discrimination or bullying, they must rely on internal HR processes or employment tribunals. These systems are slow, inconsistent, traumatising or give no response at all.
There is no independent body to hold NHS organisations or executives accountable when they enable or ignore workplace harm.
That’s why we’re calling on Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, to let me create an Independent NHS Workforce Ombudsman with powers to:
✅ Investigate systemic bullying, harassment and discrimination
✅ Fine organisations that fail to act
✅ Sanction executives who neglect their legal duties
✅ Protect whistleblowers and witnesses from retaliation
When NHS staff are protected, patients receive safer, better care.
Accountability saves lives.
