What are the community guidelines?
Through the comment function, the NHS People app allows users to share their ideas and experiences, offer peer support and network with others working in the NHS. We expect everyone who takes part to follow our community rules. You must:
- be respectful and considerate of other users
- keep your comments relevant to the topic
We will not tolerate:
- abusive language or personal attacks
- swearing or obscenity
- threats of violence
- hate speech – where someone is attacked based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, caste, sex, gender, gender identity and serious disease or disability
- libellous comments
Please also avoid:
- content that could identify an individual, such as information that could identify someone you care for
- overtly political comments
- any advertising or promotion of research, questionnaires or petitions
- setting up more than one account or sharing your account details
- posting the same, or similar, comment more than once
Opinions and views expressed must follow the community rules and are solely the responsibility of the user who posts them. They do not express the views or opinions of the organisations who provide content and access to the NHS People app. We will be moderating and, where appropriate, responding to comments. We will take down content that breaks these rules. We may suspend the comment function at any time. We may also suspend the accounts of any users who persistently break our community rules or engage in suspicious activity.
If you see comments that you think may break these rules you can flag your concern by clicking the three-dot icon on the comment in question, choosing the report function and following the instructions. This comment will then be subject to review.
What should I do if I am concerned about a safeguarding or whistleblowing issue?
If any comments made on this platform raise concerns about safeguarding or whistleblowing issues, we will take them down for the protection of the user or people named in the comments and take action if appropriate.
If you see comments that you think may raise a safeguarding or whistleblowing issue, you can flag your concern by clicking the three-dot icon on the comment in question, choosing the report function and following the instructions. This comment will then be subject to review.
Please report any general concerns about safeguarding issues through the appropriate channels, such as your employer’s safeguarding team or your local authority. If you believe someone to be in immediate risk of harm, please contact the emergency services.
NHS Employers offers guidance on whistleblowing for staff: https://www.nhsemployers.org/retention-and-staff-experience/raising-concerns-whistleblowing/information-for-staff
If you have a concern about malpractice, wrongdoing or fraud where you work, you can contact Speak Up via their website or phone.
How do I flag a comment that is of concern?
If you see comments that you think may raise a safeguarding, workplace or whistleblowing issue, you can flag your concern by clicking the three-dot icon on the comment in question, choosing the report function and following the instructions. Or you can contact us at help@nhslife.nhs.uk This comment will then be subject to review.
Can I provide peer support through the comment function?
The NHS People app is not intended to provide professional or emotional support to users. If such support is required, users should contact one of support helplines or services outlined within the platform. However, users are welcome to provide peer support to other users in the comments as long as these do not break the community guidelines.