Job overview
*Subject to job matching*
The Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) Guardian will act as the expert and professional resource for employees on all aspects of practice relating to the Freedom to Speak Up agenda in line with our Trust values; to encourage embedding of best practice in enabling and supporting employees to raise concerns where they see evidence of risk, wrongdoing and unsafe practice.
The FTSU Guardian will work alongside the Trust Executive and Senior Leadership teams to support the Trust as an open and transparent place to work, where all staff are actively encouraged and enabled to speak up safely. They will help to protect patient safety and quality of care.
Hours per week: 15
We welcome applications from Graduate visa holders; it is important to note that you must have a minimum of 6 months before this expires at the start of your employment for training and operational reasons.
Non-UK or Irish applicants should check their visa and this role’s eligibility for sponsorship before applying. For further information please visit Visas and immigration - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Please be advised we are unable to provide Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship to non-UK residents.
Main duties of the job
Working across all sites and teams – clinical and corporate – the FTSU Guardian will lead and support a team of FTSU Champions across the Trust, ensuring all staff are able to report concerns and have a good experience when they choose to do so.
The FTSU Guardian operates in an independent, impartial and objective capacity with complete autonomy to support the Trust’s aim to improve openness and transparency when encouraging staff to speak up safely as well as encouraging a listening and learning culture.
The FTSU Guardian will report directly to the Director of Corporate Governance and will work alongside the Director of Corporate Governance and the nominated Non-Executive Lead for FTSU to ensure the whole Trust Board is involved in the FTSU strategy, annual action for improvement and generally kept up to date with challenges and outcomes across the Trust.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please read the attached Applicant Pack prior to completing your application form to find out more information.
Please download a copy of the Job Description and Person Specification located under the Supporting documents heading to read more about the advertised role.
As part of making your application we encourage you to review the Trusts Careers webpage Careers :: East Cheshire NHS Trust for more information about working for East Cheshire NHS Trust.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all applications irrespective of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race or religion. The Trust is a Disability Confident Leader and as such, applicants with disabilities will be offered an interview providing they meet the minimum criteria for the post (outlined in the Person Specification).
We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application. While this is not discouraged, it is essential to personalise this information, particularly your supporting information section as these tools cannot fully grasp the context or requirements of the job you’re applying for. We kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role. Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process and being a member of East Cheshire NHS Trust.
Applicants are advised to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert prior to the advertised closing date should we receive a large number of applications.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Person specification
Skills
Essential
- Strong understanding of raising concerns including the barriers to raising concerns.
- Effective skills in mediation and facilitation.
- Effective skills in managing highly sensitive and confidential issues.
- Ability to hold senior colleagues to account to create a positive speaking up culture.
- Ability to develop, deliver and evaluate training in line with local and national requirements.
- Ability to support and speak for members of staff who do not feel able to speak for themselves whilst at the same time managing expectations.
- Ability to interpret data to make recommendations about delivery & take appropriate action.
- Ability to present complex issues clearly and concisely at all levels of the organisation, including to executive colleagues.
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience of working with teams and colleagues to improve staff experience positively.
- Experience of handling difficult situations professionally and setting boundaries.
- Cognisant of national initiatives and the policy direction indicated by the CQC, NHS England and the Department of Health in relation Freedom to Speak Up.
- Relevant experience of designing and preparing senior level reports.
- Ability to influence and overcome barriers to change, recognising limitations of self and others and taking appropriate action.
- Track record in supporting and listening to staff and in demonstrating the values of the Trust in day-to-day practice.
- Knowledge and understanding of Risk Management, Freedom of Information, Data Protection strategies, Complaints Management and Customer Relations.
Personal Qualities
Essential
- High degree of personal resilience to meet mental and emotional requirements of the post.
- Well organised and practical with a logical, analytical approach to work.
- Ability to work under high level pressure managing competing deadlines
- Positive and motivated.
Further Information
Essential
- Please provide any additional relevant information to support your application. Please note that this is a non-scoring question.
Other Role Requirements
Essential
- Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for further role requirements.
Qualifications Education & Knowledge
Essential
- Experience of leadership in an operational function gained from working in an NHS environment.
- Demonstrable knowledge of Freedom to Speak Up matters
- Evidence of continued personal development.
Desirable
- Mentoring skills
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Freedom to Speak Up Guardian with East Cheshire NHS Trust in Macclesfield, North West, England. It is listed as a Band 7 role. The advertised salary is £49,387 - £56,515 per annum, pro rata (subject to job matching). The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 29 Jul 2026.
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