Freedom to Speak up Guardian

Freedom to Speak up Guardian

Birmingham Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Shape the speaking up culture and support 25,000 colleagues in voicing their concerns.
  • Company: Join one of the UK's largest NHS Foundation Trusts dedicated to patient and staff safety.
  • Benefits: Enjoy ring-fenced time for your role and access to resources for transformative change.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on patient care and colleague wellbeing in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Compassionate communicator with analytical skills and experience in handling sensitive conversations.
  • Other info: Direct access to senior leadership and opportunities to influence organisational learning.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Making voices heard in a Trust that will listen and learn.

This isn\’t just another Freedom to Speak Up Guardian role — it\’s a chance to shape the speaking up culture at one of the country\’s largest NHS Foundation Trusts.

With 25,000 colleagues across our Hospitals, Community Services and corporate teams, you\’ll be joining an organisation where your role as Guardian genuinely matters to amplify the voice of our people to the highest level.

Our new operating model is creating fresh opportunities to embed psychological safety deep into our everyday culture, and we need someone who can turn that vision into lived reality for every single colleague.

Our Board are absolutely committed to this work — it is more than a requirement for us, it is fundamental to the safety of patients and staff. We know that when people feel safe to speak up, patient care improves, innovation flourishes, and our colleagues thrive.

You\’ll have direct access to the Chief People Officer as your Executive lead, and you will inform and influence the senior leadership. You will have ring-fenced time to do the role well, and the resources to build something courageously transformative. It\’s a journey we\’re on.

You\’ll be the independent voice that helps our 25,000 colleagues speak up safely and effectively. Working across our multiple sites, you\’ll build and lead our Champion network, ensuring every corner of our Trust has someone who understands the barriers people face and knows how to address them.

You\’ll present directly to our Board, challenge senior leaders when needed, and use data to drive real change in how we respond to and learn from concerns.

This role requires someone who can hold difficult conversations with compassion, analyse complex patterns of speaking up data, and turn individual concerns into organisational learning. You\’ll support colleagues through challenging situations, develop training programmes, and work closely with leaders across the Trust to embed preventions and share good practice.

Our values of being Kind, Connected and Bold aren\’t just words on a wall — they\’ll guide how you approach every conversation, every challenge, and every opportunity to make UHB a place where speaking up strengthens rather than threatens relationships.

Closing date 16th July 2025.

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Freedom to Speak up Guardian employer: University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

Join one of the largest NHS Foundation Trusts, where your role as Freedom to Speak Up Guardian is pivotal in shaping a culture of psychological safety and open communication. With a commitment to kindness, connection, and boldness, you'll have the opportunity to influence senior leadership, access vital resources, and lead transformative initiatives that enhance patient care and colleague wellbeing. This is not just a job; it's a chance to make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment that values every voice.
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Contact Detail:

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Freedom to Speak up Guardian

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the Trust's values of being Kind, Connected, and Bold. Understanding how these values shape the culture will help you align your approach and demonstrate your commitment to fostering a safe environment for colleagues to speak up.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former Freedom to Speak Up Guardians or similar roles within the NHS. They can provide valuable insights into the challenges and successes of the position, helping you to articulate your understanding of the role during discussions.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've handled difficult conversations in the past. This role requires compassion and the ability to analyse complex data, so showcasing your experience in these areas will be crucial during interviews.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on current trends and best practices in psychological safety and organisational learning. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only enhance your discussions but also demonstrate your proactive approach to driving change within the Trust.

We think you need these skills to ace Freedom to Speak up Guardian

Excellent Communication Skills
Empathy and Compassion
Conflict Resolution
Data Analysis
Training and Development
Stakeholder Engagement
Leadership Skills
Understanding of Psychological Safety
Ability to Influence Senior Leadership
Problem-Solving Skills
Organisational Learning
Networking Skills
Adaptability
Knowledge of NHS Policies and Procedures

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian position. Understand the key responsibilities and the impact this role has on the organisation's culture and patient care.

Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in your CV that demonstrates your ability to handle difficult conversations, analyse data, and implement change. Use specific examples that align with the values of being Kind, Connected, and Bold.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for fostering a safe speaking up culture. Mention how you can contribute to the Trust's mission and values.

Showcase Your Skills: In your application, emphasise skills such as empathy, communication, and analytical thinking. Provide examples of how you've successfully navigated challenging situations or influenced change in previous roles.

How to prepare for a job interview at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

✨Understand the Role's Impact

Before the interview, take time to understand how the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian role influences the culture within the Trust. Be prepared to discuss how you can amplify voices and create a safe environment for colleagues to speak up.

✨Demonstrate Compassionate Communication

This role requires holding difficult conversations with empathy. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated sensitive discussions, and be ready to share these during the interview.

✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

The ability to analyse complex data is crucial for this position. Prepare to discuss how you would approach analysing speaking up data and turning it into actionable insights that drive change within the organisation.

✨Align with Trust Values

Familiarise yourself with the Trust's values of being Kind, Connected, and Bold. During the interview, illustrate how these values resonate with your personal approach and how they will guide your actions as a Guardian.

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