Lead Freedom to Speak Up Guardian

Job overview

We are seeking an exceptional and compassionate leader to join our Quality Directorate as Lead Freedom to Speak Up Guardian (FTSU).

This is a pivotal role responsible for leading and shaping the Trust’s Freedom to Speak Up function. The post holder will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight, ensuring colleagues feel safe, supported and empowered to raise concerns. The role plays a vital part in promoting a transparent, inclusive and learning-focused culture, directly contributing to the safety and wellbeing of both colleagues and patients.

Working independently and impartially, the Lead Guardian will operate at both strategic and frontline levels, engaging with colleagues across the organisation while influencing senior leaders and the Trust Board to strengthen a positive speaking up culture.   This is a part time position at 30 hours per week.

Main duties of the job

• Provide strategic leadership for the FTSU service, ensuring it is accessible, inclusive and trusted

• Promote and embed a positive speaking up culture through visibility, engagement and training

• Offer confidential, impartial advice and support to colleagues raising concerns

• Ensure appropriate escalation and timely action where concerns impact on patient or staff safety

• Lead the development and delivery of the FTSU strategy, aligned to national guidance and Trust priorities

• Analyse themes and trends from FTSU data and provide assurance reporting to senior leadership and the Board

• Build strong relationships with senior leaders and act as an expert advisor on FTSU policy and practice

• Support organisational learning and continuous improvement from concerns raised

• Provide leadership and support to the FTSU Guardian team and Ambassador network
• Please note that this Job Description is currently indicative pending a job evaluation review.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information about this role please see the attached job description and person specification.

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.