About this role
Job summary
We areseekingan exceptional and compassionate leader to join our Quality Directorate asLead Freedom to Speak Up Guardian (FTSU).
This is a pivotal role responsible for leading and shaping the Trust's Freedom to Speak Up function. The post holder will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight, ensuring colleagues feel safe, supported and empowered to raise concerns. The role plays a vital part in promoting a transparent,inclusiveand learning-focused culture, directly contributing to the safety and wellbeing of both colleagues and patients.
Working independently and impartially, the Lead Guardian willoperateat both strategic and frontline levels, engaging with colleagues across the organisation while influencing senior leaders and the Trust Board to strengthen a positive speaking up culture.This is a part time position at 30 hours per week.
Main duties of the job
Providestrategic leadershipfor the FTSU service, ensuring it is accessible,inclusiveand trusted
Promote and embed apositive speaking up culturethrough visibility,engagementand training
Offerconfidential, impartial advice and supportto colleagues raising concerns
Ensureappropriate escalationandtimelyaction where concerns impact onpatient or staff safety
Lead the development and delivery of theFTSU strategy, aligned to national guidance and Trust priorities
Analyse themes and trends from FTSU data and provideassurance reporting to senior leadership and the Board
Build strong relationships with senior leaders and act as anexpert advisor on FTSU policy and practice
Support organisational learning and continuous improvement from concerns raised
Provide leadership and support to the FTSU Guardian team and Ambassador network
Please note that this Job Description is currently indicative pending a job evaluation review.
About us
Working for us is an experience like no other. We provide emergency and urgent care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, operating across the largest ambulance region in England of 10,000 square miles and responding to an average of 2,650 incidents every day.
We remain committed to ensuring that we provide the best possible care for all our patients, which is reflected in our new five-year strategy which has continually improving patient care at its very core.
At the heart of our beautiful and diverse region we employ over 6000 people and are supported by over 575 volunteers.
If you embody our values of one team, compassionate and innovative and are looking to make a real difference to peoples' lives, then we would love to hear from you.
Benefits
Competitive NHS salary A standard working week of 37.5 hours Holiday entitlements of 27 days per year, plus general and public holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years Pay enhancements for out of hours, shift and overtime working Generous Pension Scheme Career and salary progression Car leasing scheme (this is subject to your pay not falling below the National Living Wage) Free parking across Trust sites Cycle-to-work and other salary sacrifice schemes (this is subject to your pay not falling below the National Living Wage) Staff networks Access to a wide range of discounts from various organisations across the UK
Job description Job responsibilities
For further information about this role please see the attached job description and person specification.
Person Specification
Education and qualifications Essential
Educated to master's degree level or have equivalent experience of working at a senior strategic level within an NHS organisation. Qualification or experience in: Counselling or mediation or Mental Health First aid Registered with the National Guardian's Office and up to date with foundation and refresher training
Desirable
Recognised clinical professional qualification and significant experience working in a clinical environment.
Previous experience (Paid/ Unpaid relevant to job) Essential
Demonstrable senior-level experience in roles related to workforce culture, staff engagement, patient safety, governance, or organisational development, with a strong understanding of speaking-up principles, worker voice and psychological safety. Significant experience of leading or supporting the Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) agenda, worker voice, psychological safety, or just culture principles. Experience working within or alongside governance, quality, HR, staff side and safety systems, ensuring FTSU cases inform organisational learning, improvement, and cultural change. Proven ability to embed a just, open, and learning culture where staff can raise concerns without fear of retribution, supported by a clear long-term vision translated into actionable plans and measurable outcomes. Proven experience of managing complex, sensitive, and confidential issues with diplomacy, professionalism, and integrity
Skills, knowledge, ability Essential
Knowledge of safeguarding and the ability to signpost staff to appropriate legal and protective support relating to worker protections and patient safety. Comprehensive understanding of the FTSU agenda, including national guidance and regulatory expectations, and the ability to apply these effectively within the organisation.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Address South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Abbey Ct, Eagle Way
Exeter
EX2 7HY
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.swast.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)