Freedom to Speak Up GuardianinWickfordinWickfordPUBLISHED FRI 14 MAR 2025

We recently advertised for two B8a FTSU Guardian roles. We successfully recruited to one of these positions and are now looking to recruit to the remaining.

Previous applications need not apply

This is an exciting time to join EPUT as we have reviewed our Speaking Up ambitions for the trust and are seeking to recruit a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian to help us realise them.

EPUT aims to ensure colleagues are able to raise concerns openly, without fear, and that all concerns are heard, responded to, acted upon and learning is shared and disseminated. You will support the Principal Freedom to Speak Up Guardian (FTSU) to proactively develop and strengthen an open speaking up culture across the trust as well as respond sensitively to concerns raised. You will remain impartial and independent when colleagues raise concerns handling them with integrity, confidentiality and tenacity; and then work through senior leaders and appropriate policies and processes for responses, approaches and actions. FTSU Guardians hold senior leaders and the Board to account with regard to the Trust's Speaking Up ambitions.

Main outcomes:

A positive culture of speaking up is instilled throughout the trust with speaking up openly becoming business as usual

All colleagues are aware of how to raise a concern through all Speak Up routes

All colleagues are supported when they speak up and they support others to as well

All concerns are listened to and appropriate action taken to resolve issues

The trust learns from concerns raised and improvements are made as a result

The trust is effectively aligned with National Guardian Office best practice guidance

The right candidate will be passionate about the speaking-up agenda, encouraging an open culture within the organisation. The successful candidate will have the ability to work with Senior Leaders, Executive Directors and Board Members, as well as engaging with colleagues at all levels. We would prefer candidates to have a good understanding of patient safety and quality in a healthcare environment.

The appointed FTSU Guardian will report to the Principal FTSU Guardian who is overseen by the FTSU Lead Executive Director and supported by the Non-Executive Lead FTSU Director. Freedom to Speak Up Guardians are high-profile roles and this service is accountable to the Chief Executive and Chair of the Board of Directors.

About us

Main duties of the job

This role will contribute to safe working environments for service users and employees of the organisation. You will support the Chief Executive and Trusts Board with the development of an open culture where speaking up becomes normal practice to address concerns about patient safety, the safety of colleagues or malpractice. In addition, you will encourage and make clear to all colleagues the benefits for themselves, patients and the public from the improvements made in response to the issues identified.

You will work across the Trust with all staff groups, identifying and removing barriers to speaking up, listening up and following up; ensuring all colleagues have the capability, knowledge and skills they need to speak up themselves, and are able to support others in speaking up, listening up and following up. Reporting to the Principal FTSU Guardian you will ensure action is taken to ensure individuals and groups facing barriers to speaking up have the support they need.

Maintaining the database of concerns raised will also be required and the sourcing of feedback to improve the service. You will contribute to FTSU reports and presentation to the Trust Board of Directors twice a year and a range of other meetings across the trust. Therefore report writing, presentation formulation and building positive relationships will also be required. Although working within a team of FTSU Guardians, each Guardian will ensure clear lines of accountability and escalate their authority outside of the organisation, seeking support and guidance from the National Guardians Office where / when appropriate.

This is an opportunity to make a genuine, substantive and positive contribution on behalf of the Trust, its staff and patients, in a role which is highly-valued by the Board, staff at all levels, and external stakeholders. You can access support from regional networks and the National Guardians Office to understand and import good practice into the Trust.