Reporting concerns about a senior colleague is a necessary act of courage

Whistleblowing is never easy – particularly if the person is senior to you or in a different profession

It takes courage to raise concerns about the actions of a colleague. This is particularly so when the person is in a more powerful position through seniority, professional status – or personality. Other factors can be the income the person brings to the organisation, the number of patients they treat, the control they exert, and their reputation.

Hierarchy can act as a deterrent to reporting concerns. However, as we have seen in the recent inquiry into the performance of consultant surgeon Ian Paterson , not raising concerns can harm patients. It can also be damaging to staff.