Giving everyone in the NHS a foundation level understanding of patient safety is critical, but we also need experts to lead on safety in their own organisations. Feedback from the consultation strongly supported the development of a network of patient safety specialists in local systems. 

These specialists should be recognised as key leaders within the safety system, visible to their organisations and others, able to support their organisations’ safety work. In some ways the concept is similar to designating someone a Caldicott Guardian, Director of Infection Prevention and Control or Freedom to Speak Up Guardian. But in contrast to these designations we want the introduction of the patient safety specialist concept to develop existing people and roles rather than create new posts.