At a Glance
- Tasks: Support staff in raising concerns and promote a transparent culture.
- Company: Join a compassionate hospice dedicated to patient safety and staff wellbeing.
- Benefits: Receive training, gain valuable experience, and contribute to meaningful change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by ensuring everyone feels safe to speak up.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for supporting others.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of 1-2 hours per week with ongoing training opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
Essential Skills, Qualities and Experience
- 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.
Desirable
- 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.
Personal Qualities
- Integrity and professionalism.
- Courage and resilience.
- Empathy and emotional intelligence.
- Independence and objectivity.
Reporting and Independence
- Reports directly to the Chair of Trustees.
- Operates independently from operational management structures.
Benefits to you
- Training will be provided for role.
- Great development opportunity.
- Insight into the work of the local Hospice and the Hospice movement.
Time Commitment, Attendance and Training
- 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.
Training and Support
- Initial training from the National Guardian Office as required.
- Annual refresher training that is required to remain registered as a Guardian.
Volunteer Engagement
- Volunteer engagement team contact details: Volunteer.office@isabelhospice.org.uk. Please indicate on email should you wish to speak to our current Guardian about the role and ask any questions.
Freedom to Speak Up Guardian in Welwyn Garden City employer: Isabel Hospice
Contact Detail:
Isabel Hospice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Freedom to Speak Up Guardian in Welwyn Garden City
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the healthcare sector, especially those involved with Freedom to Speak Up initiatives. Attend relevant events or webinars to make connections and learn more about the culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by understanding the key responsibilities of the role. Think about how your skills align with supporting staff and handling concerns. Practise articulating your thoughts on promoting a speaking-up culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your empathy and emotional intelligence during conversations. Use examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully supported others or handled sensitive information. This will demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Freedom to Speak Up Guardian in Welwyn Garden City
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and how you connect with the values of the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian role. Don't be afraid to share your passion for promoting a transparent culture!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Use examples that demonstrate your strong listening and communication skills, as well as your ability to handle sensitive information. This will show us that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Your Understanding: Take some time to research the Freedom to Speak Up framework and NHS policies. We love candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the organisational culture and governance. This will set you apart from the rest!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Isabel Hospice
✨Know the FTSU Framework Inside Out
Make sure you understand the Freedom to Speak Up framework and its importance in promoting a transparent culture. Familiarise yourself with NHS policies and whistleblowing legislation, as this will show your commitment to the role and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Demonstrate Your Listening Skills
As a Guardian, strong listening skills are crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've effectively listened to concerns and provided support. This will highlight your ability to handle sensitive information and show that you can be trusted by staff at all levels.
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
During the interview, convey your understanding of the emotional aspects of raising concerns. Share instances where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience, as these qualities are essential for supporting staff through challenging situations.
✨Prepare Questions About Culture and Governance
Think about questions you can ask regarding the organisational culture and governance. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you insight into how the organisation values transparency and staff concerns, which is key for a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian.