In every organisation, the ability for individuals to speak openly about concerns is a fundamental pillar of trust and wellbeing. Sadly, some hesitate to raise issues related to bullying, discrimination, harassment, or wrongdoing, often fearing the repercussions or doubt that their concerns will be taken seriously.
SpeakUp exists to change that, giving people a confidential, independent, and safe place to talk. For leaders committed to building resilient, responsible, high performing workplaces, SpeakUp is not just for wellbeing, it can help you remain compliant with UK employment laws – including duty of care.
What is SpeakUp?
SpeakUp is HA | Wisdom Wellbeing’s confidential support line for employees who need a safe avenue to discuss workplace concerns, including bullying, discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), and whistleblowing matters.
It is specifically designed for individuals who feel unable to raise issues internally, whether due to fear, isolation, or uncertainty.
Through SpeakUp, individuals can confidentially:
• Report harassment at work
• Report discrimination at work
• Receive guidance from trained advisers
• Explore informal and formal resolution options
Why organisations need SpeakUp
Unaddressed wrongdoing does not just harm individuals, it can damage entire organisations too. Issues such as harassment, bullying, and discrimination can lead to significant legal, financial, and reputational consequences, in addition to longterm harm to an individual’s mental health.
Key organisational risks of ignoring concerns include:
• Brand and reputational damage
• Costly legal fines
• High staff turnover
• A toxic workplace culture
Plus, under the UK’s Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA), organisations that retaliate against whistleblowers may face uncapped financial compensation claims. It also provides working individuals in the UK with the "day-one" right to protection against dismissal or detrimental treatment (such as victimisation or harassment) by their organisation for making a "protected disclosure"