Being open and honest when something has gone wrong can be difficult to do
Openness and honesty is a requirement in the HCPC standards of conduct, performance and ethics.
Video: overcoming the challenges of being candid
In this video, Vince Clarke - paramedic and senior lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire - explores some of the factors that might discourage candour and provides some top tips on how to overcome these.
Please note this video was recorded in 2021. Since then, there have been updates to the HCPC standards of proficiency (2023), revisions to the HCPC standards of conduct, performance and ethics (2024) and there may have been changes to other external policies.
Wellbeing support
It’s important that you make sure you are getting the support you need when undergoing a difficult time. Take a look at our wellbeing resources for more guidance and support.
Duty of candour resources
For more information about the duty of candour and how to embed it into your practice, take a look at these:
- Care Quality Commission Guidance on Regulation 20: Duty of Candour
- Scottish Government Organisational Duty of Candour Guidance
- NHS Resolution Guidance on Saying Sorry
- Report of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry (the Francis Report)
- NHS Freedom to Speak Up Report
Though developed for their registrants, the General Medical Council and Nursing and Midwifery Council’s guidance on the professional duty of candour includes useful and detailed information on being open and honest, which is relevant for all health and care professionals.
Your professional body or trade union may also have their own guidance to support you, which you should take a look at.
