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- Tasks: Lead the Trust-wide initiative to promote a culture of openness and support staff in speaking up.
- Company: Join a pioneering foundation trust in North East England, dedicated to health services and staff wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with diverse staff networks and wellbeing initiatives like the 'Balance' programme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by fostering transparency and safety in healthcare while working closely with senior leaders.
- Qualifications: Substantial NHS experience and a good understanding of digital systems are essential for this role.
- Other info: This position requires a DBS check and offers a salary based on experience.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) Guardian is a lead Trust-wide role with high profile and influence. Acting independently, the FTSU Guardian collaborates with the Trust Board and Executive team to promote openness and transparency, fostering a listening and learning culture. The role supports the Trust\’s core values of Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, and Engagement.
Main duties of the job
FTSU Guardians should embody qualities aligned with the principles of the National Guardian\’s Office, including:
- Independent: Provide impartial advice to staff and leaders, support a speaking-up culture, and implement supportive processes.
- Impartial: Fairly review how speaking-up cases are handled.
- Empowered: Lead support efforts for staff to speak up safely, reporting progress on behalf of Guardians and Champions.
- Visible: Be approachable and present to all staff, especially frontline workers.
- Influential: Maintain regular access to Trust Board members and senior leaders.
- Knowledgeable: Have expertise in FTSU matters and local issues, advising staff appropriately.
About us
Based in North East England, our Trust provides hospital and community health services, including facilities like Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon Urgent Care Centre, and Bensham Hospital in Gateshead. Established in 2005 as one of the first foundation trusts, we employ around 4,800 staff, offering 444 hospital beds.
Our values, ICORE (Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement), underpin everything we do. We support diverse staff networks and prioritize staff wellbeing through initiatives like the \’Balance\’ programme.
Job responsibilities
The core duties include:
- Culture: Promote understanding and visibility of FTSU Guardians and Champions, encourage speaking up, and ensure accessibility of support, especially for groups facing barriers.
- Process improvement: Review and advise on speaking-up processes, assess effectiveness, and lead FTSU reviews.
- Capability: Assess and enhance staff knowledge and skills related to speaking up.
- Supporting Staff: Handle information appropriately, support individuals, and develop communication strategies.
- Working with the Board: Develop relationships with senior leaders, report on FTSU activities, and support organizational learning.
- Safety and Quality: Act promptly on safety concerns raised through speaking up and develop monitoring measures.
- Wider NHS Culture: Participate in national activities, support peer networks, and follow guidance from the National Guardians Office.
- Management and Leadership: Lead the speaking-up agenda, develop policies, manage Champions, and promote equality and diversity.
Person Specification
Experience
- Substantial NHS experience supporting staff.
- Experience managing confidential issues.
- Good understanding of digital systems and architecture.
Other
This role is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Salary depends on experience.
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Interim Freedom to Speak up Guardian employer: Gateshead Health
Contact Detail:
Gateshead Health Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Freedom to Speak up Guardian
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the principles of the National Guardian's Office. Understanding these principles will not only help you align your approach with the expectations of the role but also demonstrate your commitment to fostering a speaking-up culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former FTSU Guardians and Champions within the NHS. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the role and its challenges, as well as tips on how to effectively support staff in speaking up.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your understanding of the Trust's core values (ICORE) during any discussions or interviews. Highlighting how your personal values align with Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, and Engagement will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed confidential issues or supported staff in challenging situations. This will illustrate your capability and readiness for the responsibilities of the FTSU Guardian role.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Freedom to Speak up Guardian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Interim Freedom to Speak Up Guardian role. Familiarise yourself with the Trust's core values of Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, and Engagement, as these will be crucial in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant NHS experience and any previous roles where you supported staff or managed confidential issues. Emphasise your understanding of digital systems and architecture, as this is a key requirement for the position.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, demonstrate your commitment to fostering a speaking-up culture. Provide specific examples of how you've promoted openness and transparency in past roles, and explain how your experience aligns with the principles of the National Guardian's Office.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread and edit your documents. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that your application clearly communicates your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gateshead Health
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian does. Familiarise yourself with the core values of the Trust and how they align with the responsibilities of the role. This will help you articulate your fit for the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your substantial NHS experience and how it relates to supporting staff. Be ready to provide examples of how you've managed confidential issues and improved processes in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Impartiality
Since the role requires impartial advice, think of scenarios where you had to remain neutral while handling sensitive information. Share these experiences to illustrate your ability to be fair and objective.
✨Engage with the Values
Reflect on how you embody the Trust's values of Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, and Engagement. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate how you have promoted these values in your past work, especially in relation to fostering a speaking-up culture.
