This advice, which is relevant to all salaried members, concerns the protection afforded to ‘whistle-blowers’ under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. The professional duty to raise concerns under the GDC Standards is also considered.
Raising a concern about malpractice or risk so that it can be investigated and addressed is separate and distinct from raising a grievance or complaint as an employee. Whistleblowing is the raising of a concern about a danger or risk so that it may be investigated, while a grievance seeks redress for a wrong done to you as an employee.
Professional concerns and employment issues can overlap. For example, an excessive or unmanageable workload could have implications for the quality and safety of patient care as well as on the health, safety and welfare of the dentist(s) concerned.