We are dedicated to enhancing our students' learning and supporting their professional growth. In partnership with our Practice partners, we have developed policies to ensure students meet regulatory standards and succeed in their careers
Freedom to speak up
At CCCU, we encourage our students to speak up confidently during their placements, knowing that their voices are valued and their feedback will lead to meaningful change. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of openness and transparency, where students can safely raise concerns and contribute to improving patient services and the broader work environment.
We provide a consistent, confidential approach to managing concerns, ensuring that all students feel supported and informed when addressing issues. This culture of support is embedded in our approach to practice learning, where feedback is not only welcomed but seen as an essential part of professional development.
If a concern poses an immediate risk to patient or staff safety, students are encouraged to speak up immediately to the person in charge and follow up with an ALERT form. This ensures that critical issues are addressed without delay.
Most speaking up happens through conversations with Practice educators and assessors, where challenges are raised and resolved quickly. CCCU strives for a culture where it is normal everyday practice, and we encourage students to explore this option in their practice placement – it may be the easiest and simplest way to resolve matters. Whilst it is preferable that concerns are raised at the time, it is recognised that students are evolving practitioners who may need support to reflect and consider a situation before challenging it, so it may be that they prefer to seek out university support before approaching practice staff.
Alongside CCCU's process for managing complaints and concerns from the practice environment, each NHS Trust has Freedom to Speak Up Guardians. Students on NHS placements can contact these Guardians if they have concerns about practice that they feel unable to resolve with their practice placement provider.
NHS England resources
NHS England aims to ensure everyone working within the NHS feels safe and confident to speak up. They encourage NHS leaders to take the opportunity to learn and improve from those who speak up.
Each NHS Trust has an appointed Freedom to Speak Up guardian. Resources are available below:
Low level concern and fitness to practice policy
Whilst undertaking a professional course, students must adhere to the professional conduct requirements of the relevant Statutory Regulatory body and the University’s Code of Student Conduct.
The aim of this policy is to reassure students, the University and the general public that students and graduates are fit to practice. It also ensures that students whose behaviour raises concerns are supported and managed fairly. This is essential to uphold public confidence in the profession.