Freedom to Speak Up Guardian (Band 7) - Freedom to Speak Up - Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS[...]

We hope to be welcoming you to the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals team soon; we’ve shown you exactly why we’re 'a great place to work', now it’s time to see for yourself! Have a look at our current vacancies down below and make the first step to starting a fantastic new career.

Job overview

Join Our Team as a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian! Are you passionate about creating a supportive and transparent culture? Do you have a strong commitment to patient care and staff well-being? If so, we invite you to apply for the role of Freedom to Speak Up Guardian at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals.

In this vital position, you will collaborate closely with the Head of Culture and Freedom to Speak Up to provide confidential support and advice to individuals raising concerns. Your role will be crucial in ensuring that these concerns are addressed without any repercussions for those who speak up. You will also play a key part in promoting the Freedom to Speak Up initiative across the Trust, proactively managing organisational risks through effective triangulation and escalation of concerns.

Main duties of the job

• Delivering effective case management of all Freedom to Speak Up concerns from initial contact through to closure and evaluation, ensuring the Freedom to Speak Up values (courage, impartiality, empathy, learning) are embedded within this.
• Developing and maintaining clear and robust processes and governance arrangements for managing Freedom to Speak Up cases.
• Providing training and awareness sessions for colleagues and leaders that support the development of a speaking up culture within Lancashire Teaching Hospitals.
• Communication of the impact, value and lessons learned through concerns that have been raised at multiple levels across the organisation.
• Triangulating information regarding concerns present across the organisation, seeking guidance from and escalating to the relevant stakeholders (internal and external) to ensure a proactive approach is taken to responding and managing these.
• Co-ordinating the activities of the Freedom to Speak Up Champions, and providing support, supervision, guidance and resources to this network as required.
• Supporting and contributing to the national Freedom to Speak Up Guardian network and complying with National Guardian Office guidance.

Working for our organisation

At Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, our workforce thrives in a collaborative and supportive environment. We foster a culture of openness, where every team member's voice is valued and respected.

Our Freedom to Speak Up Service is an integral part of our Workforce and Organisational Development Team here at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals. Our team atmosphere is built on mutual trust, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to excellence in patient care and staff well-being.

To be successful in this role, we require a strong work ethic characterised by dedication, integrity, and a proactive approach. Our team members are expected to be reliable, compassionate, and committed to continuous improvement. We value those who take initiative, demonstrate resilience, and work collaboratively to achieve our common goals.

Positive Aspects of Working with Us

• Supportive Environment: You’ll be part of a team that supports each other, celebrates successes, and learns from challenges.
• Professional Growth: We provide opportunities for continuous learning and development, helping you to advance your career.
• Impactful Work: Your contributions will directly impact patient care and staff well-being, making a meaningful difference every day.
• Inclusive Culture: We embrace diversity and promote an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Freedom to Speak Up Case Management: Deliver effective case management of all Freedom to Speak Up concerns from initial contact through to closure and evaluation, ensuring the Freedom to Speak Up values (courage, impartiality, empathy, learning) are embedded within this.
• Creating a Speak Up Culture: Ensure colleagues have capability, knowledge and skills to speak up themselves and to support others to speak up.
• Organisational Learning and Improvement: Communicate the impact, value and lessons learned through concerns that have been raised at multiple levels across the organisation.
• Reporting and Escalation of Concerns: Triangulate information regarding concerns present across the organisation, seeking guidance from and escalating to the relevant stakeholders (internal and external) to ensure a proactive approach is taken to responding and managing these.
• Freedom to Speak Up Champion Network: Co-ordinate the activities of the Freedom to Speak Up Champions, and provide support, supervision, guidance and resources to this network as required.
• National and Regional Guardian’s Network: Support, and contribute to, the national and regional Freedom to Speak Up Guardian network and complying with National Guardian Office guidance.

Person specification

Qualifications and Education

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent) in a relevant subjective area OR demonstrable experience working in the professional field.
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development.
• National Guardian's Office course for Freedom to Speak Up Guardians.
• Masters level qualification or equivalent in experience in a relevant discipline.
• Professional registration e.g. CIPD, NMC.

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience of communicating effectively at all levels within and outside of the organisation both informally and formally (including presentation to Board of Directors and external bodies).
• Experience of developing and managing a diverse range of relationships, developing a rapport with colleagues at all levels and demonstrating compassion and understanding.
• Experience of negotiating, persuading and influencing at a senior level with Divisional Directors, Heads of Service/Trust Leads, senior clinicians and other staff groups.
• Experience of working with a range of stakeholders, especially those responsible for patient safety and patient and staff experience, to ensure that lessons are learned, themes identified and necessary changes are made.
• Experience of handling difficult situations professionally, setting boundaries and seeking support where necessary.
• Experience of speaking and presenting at internal and external events.
• Knowledge of the Freedom to Speak Up agenda in the NHS.
• Have an understanding of cultural concerns, as well as an awareness of restorative, just and learning culture principles.
• Have an understanding of mediation and managing confidential matters including records of cases.
• Good understanding of current national NHS policies and their impact on health services.
• Have a good understanding of how to raise concerns and the barriers that can exist for those who speak up.
• Demonstrable experience of working with teams and colleagues to improve staff experience positively.
• An awareness of human resource policies and processes.
• Knowledge of safeguarding issues and clinical incident management pathways.

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.