The procedures for raising and handling whistleblowing concerns are detailed in the National Whistleblowing Standards. Where the employee remains dissatisfied, the concern can be escalated for external review to the Independent National Whistleblowing Officer.

The Standards are underpinned by legislation and form the National Whistleblowing Policy for NHSScotland. They were developed differently from the partnership approach used to create other national Workforce Policies. The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman and stakeholders, including NHSScotland employers and trade unions, co-produced the Standards, which were also subject to public consultation.