Freedom to Speak Up Guardian

Overview

The Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) Guardian operates independently and objectively to promote a transparent culture where staff feel safe to raise concerns. The role provides confidential advice, supports individuals through the speaking‑up process, and ensures concerns are appropriately addressed or escalated. The postholder contributes to regional and national Freedom to Speak Up networks, follows National Guardian Office guidance, and helps embed a culture where issues related to patient safety, quality, conduct, or workplace practices are heard and acted upon.

• Supporting Staff:
  Act as an independent and confidential point of contact for staff who wish to raise concerns; listen impartially and provide advice on options for speaking up; support staff throughout the process of raising a concern, including escalation where necessary.
• Handling Concerns:
  Record concerns accurately and securely; signpost concerns to the appropriate managers, departments, or external bodies; monitor the progress and outcomes of concerns raised; escalate concerns where patient safety or serious misconduct is at risk.
• Promoting a Speaking-Up Culture:
  Promote awareness of the Freedom to Speak Up policy and process; work with leaders and managers to embed an open and transparent culture; identify themes, trends, and barriers to speaking up; contribute to learning and improvement across the organisation.
• Governance and Reporting:
  Provide regular anonymised reports to the Board and senior leadership; attend quarterly meetings with Board members and senior leadership to discuss any concerns raised; ensure compliance with NHS Freedom to Speak Up guidance and national standards; work closely with the People Team whilst maintaining independence.

• Strong listening and communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Impartial, credible, and trusted by staff at all levels.
• Understanding of organisational culture and governance.
• Ability to challenge constructively and escalate concerns appropriately.

• Experience in healthcare, patient safety, HR, or governance roles.
• Knowledge of NHS policies, whistleblowing legislation, and FTSU framework.
• Training in mediation, conflict resolution, or safeguarding.

• Integrity and professionalism
• Courage and resilience
• Empathy and emotional intelligence
• Independence and objectivity

• Reports directly to the Chair of Trustees.
• Operates independently from operational management structures.

• Training will be provided for role
• Great development opportunity
• Insight into the work of the local Hospice and the Hospice movement

• Attendance at quarterly FTSU update meetings required and at quarterly Hospice Network meetings. On average 1-2 hours per week time commitment. If you are an internal candidate this time will be protected for you.

• Initial training from the National Guardian Office as required.
• Annual refresher training that is required to remain registered as a Guardian.

• Volunteer engagement team contact details:
  Volunteer
• Please indicate on email should you wish to speak to our current Guardian about the role and ask any questions.