Job summary This is an exciting time to join The Children's Trust as we have reviewed our Speaking Up ambitions for the organisation and are seeking to recruit a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian to help us realise them and who shares the values set out in our Promises. The Children's Trust aims to ensure colleagues are able to raise concerns openly, without fear, and that all concerns are heard, responded to, acted upon and learning is shared and disseminated. As a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian you will proactively develop and strengthen an open speaking up culture across the Trust as well as respond sensitively to concerns raised. You will remain impartial and independent when colleagues raise concerns handling them with integrity, confidentiality and tenacity; and then work through senior leaders and appropriate policies and processes for responses, approaches and actions. The right candidate will be motivated and passionate about the speaking-up agenda, encouraging an open culture within the organisation. The successful candidate will have the ability to work with Senior Leaders, and Board Members, as well as engaging with colleagues at all levels. We would prefer candidates to have a good understanding of patient safety and quality in a healthcare environment as well as previous experience of working within a freedom to speak up role.Staff benefits include London weighting, shuttle bus, and more Read more below Main duties of the job The role will contribute to ensuring a safe environment for our children and young people and employees of the organisation. You will support the Senior Leadership Team, Chief Executive Officer and Board with the development of an open culture where speaking up becomes normal practice to address concerns about patient safety, the safety of colleagues or malpractice. In addition, you will encourage and make clear to all colleagues the benefits for themselves, patients and the public from the improvements made in response to the issues identified.You will work across the Trust with all staff groups, identifying and removing barriers to speaking up, listening up and following up; ensuring all colleagues have the capability, knowledge and skills they need to speak up themselves, and are able to support others in speaking up, listening up and following up. Reporting to the Director of Nursing and Quality, you will ensure action is taken to ensure individuals and groups facing barriers to speaking up have the support they need.Maintaining a database as well as analysis of concerns raised will also be required and the sourcing of feedback to improve the service. You will develop and deliver FTSU reports and will be required to present to the Board of Trustees twice a year and also a range of other meetings across the Trust. Report writing, presentation formulation and building positive relationships are essential skills. Interview Date: To be confirmed. About us About Us The Childrens Trust is the UKs leading charity for children with acquired brain injury, providing expert rehabilitation, education, therapy, and care at our national specialist centre in Tadworth, and to children and their families across the UK, via our Brain Injury Community Service. Boasting a beautiful 24-acre site in Surrey, we are located just outside of London, close to the M25 (accessible via Junction 8, A217 to Tadworth) and easily accessible via National Rail, by way of: Clapham Junction, Sutton, and Epsom. Staff Benefits The work we do is highly rewarding, and in addition to an attractive salary, we offer a valuable range of benefits, including, adoption pay, time off for fertility treatment, enhanced paternity leave, paid carers leave, time out days for those experiencing menopause symptoms, time off for gender reassignment. We also offer additional annual leave days for those with long service, with entitlements ranging from 35 to 41 days (including bank holidays) depending on your length of service. Other benefits include free on-site parking; a staff shuttle service from Epsom and Sutton train stations to Tadworth Court, subsidised cafeteria, on-site staff accommodation (subject to availability), the ability to retain your NHS pension (where applicable) or the opportunity to join an alternative scheme, and the opportunity to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment. Date posted 29 October 2024 Pay scheme Other Salary Depending on experience £51,883 - £58,544 pa (dependent on experience & incl of OLW) Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number B0474-24-0149 Job locations The Childrens Trust Tadworth Court Tadworth Surrey KT20 5RU Job description Job responsibilities Skills and Responsibilities Culture Develop and deliver communication and engagement programmes to increase visibility of the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian amongst staff. Promote local speaking up processes and sources of support and guidance, demonstrate the impact that speaking up is having in the organisation, and celebrate speaking up. Ensure that all staff are aware of, and have access to, support to help them speak up. Develop, train and support a network of champions to ensure that Freedom to Speak Up reaches all parts of the organisation and everyone has easy access to someone outside their immediate line management chain who can advise and support them. Ensure that induction presentations include freedom to speak up information and explain the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian role. Seek guidance and support from and, where appropriate, escalate matters to, bodies outside the organisation. Challenge behaviours and practice which fail to align with FTSU principles and / or the promises of The Childrens Trust. Process Improvement Work with the People Team and other professionals to ensure that speaking up guidance and processes are easily understood and address any local issues that may hinder the speaking up process. Assess the effectiveness of local Freedom to Speak Up processes and the handling of individual cases, intervening when these are failing people who speak up, and making recommendations for improvement. Information from cases raised by people speaking up, and barriers to speak up, is brought alongside other intelligence on patient safety, service quality, and staff experience and used to inform organisational learning and development. Ensure that local policies and processes are clear and readily available to all staff, meet minimum standards where they are set, and are regularly reviewed and updated. Undertake any research required as part of the role for example researching updates to national guidance or best practice in relation to the FTSU service. Supporting Staff Assess the knowledge and capability of staff to speak up and to support people when they speak up. Ensure that individuals receive appropriate feedback on how issues that they speak up about are investigated, and on the conclusion of any investigation. Where necessary, give extra support, including 1-2-1 support, to people who are experiencing difficulty with speaking up, or those who are experiencing difficulty in handling or supporting someone who is speaking up. Take action to ensure that freedom to speak up messages reach groups that may face particular barriers to speaking up. Ensure that information and data are handled appropriately, and personal and confidential data are protected. Senior Leadership Develop strong and open working relationships with the relevant Directors and Chief Executive, with direct access to them as required. Attend senior leadership meetings to report on Freedom to Speak Up activities. Reports on trends and themes relating to speaking up and barriers affecting peoples abilities to do so. Particular attention should be given to concerns which may suggest a link to patient or staff safety and wellbeing. Work with the senior leaders to ensure that they are taking appropriate action to create a Freedom to Speak Up culture, understanding trends, and responding to issues that are being raised. Ensure that senior leaders are fully engaged in all aspects of the Freedom to Speak Up culture. Safety and Quality Take immediate appropriate action when matters that people are speaking up about indicate that safety and quality may be compromised. Develop measures, data sets, and indicators to monitor trends and identify linkages between issues raised through people speaking up, and issues raised through other safety and quality routes. Transition the organisation towards quarterly reporting to the National Guardians Office on the speaking up cases raised at The Children's Trust. NHS Culture Take part in National Guardian Office and NHS England activities and training, developing personal networks and peer to peer relationships, contributing to wider networking events, and sharing and learning from best practice. Raise issues that cannot be resolved locally with NHS Englands national FTSU Guardian, including if the organisation appears to be failing in its obligations Management of self and others Operate independently, impartially and objectively, whilst working in partnership with individuals and groups throughout the organisation, including the senior leadership team. Keep abreast of developments and best practice, assessing their own development and training needs, and seeking support in addressing these. Plan and organise own work schedule and the work of the champions to ensure that activities are completed within agreed timescales, to deliver an effective and efficient service. Regularly assess own skills and capabilities and take action to improve. Undertake other or additional duties that are within your skills and abilities, as the organisation may reasonably require from time to time. Professionalism Act with integrity and display behaviours that encourage speaking up and challenge poor practice. Take action and raise concerns when issues arise. Adhere to the policies and procedures of The Childrens Trust. Maintain professional boundaries and professionalism at all times. Commit to demonstrating the organisations values and behaviours at all times. Health and Safety Adhere to all Health and Safety guidelines, principles, and regulations to perform your role and comply with The Childrens Trust policies and procedures. Provide evidence of all vaccinations (or medical exemption) required for the post. Adhere to manual handling procedures and complete mandatory manual handling training. Promote the health and safety of others. Use the incident reporting and risk assessment system (IRAR), to identify and report risks and incidents/actions if directed. Identify and mitigate risk within the work environment. Wellbeing and Emotional Resilience Maintain a positive approach and outlook when dealing with change and overcoming challenges and problems. Recognise own limitations, develop realistic goals, and use support network resource when or if necessary. Treats challenges and problems as a learning experience. Remain organised and focused when under pressure. Ensure attendance at monthly supervision as well as attend safeguarding specific supervision. Access mentoring support from external FTSU guardian (to be arranged by The Childrens Trust). Job description Job responsibilities Skills and Responsibilities Culture Develop and deliver communication and engagement programmes to increase visibility of the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian amongst staff. Promote local speaking up processes and sources of support and guidance, demonstrate the impact that speaking up is having in the organisation, and celebrate speaking up. Ensure that all staff are aware of, and have access to, support to help them speak up. Develop, train and support a network of champions to ensure that Freedom to Speak Up reaches all parts of the organisation and everyone has easy access to someone outside their immediate line management chain who can advise and support them. Ensure that induction presentations include freedom to speak up information and explain the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian role. Seek guidance and support from and, where appropriate, escalate matters to, bodies outside the organisation. Challenge behaviours and practice which fail to align with FTSU principles and / or the promises of The Childrens Trust. Process Improvement Work with the People Team and other professionals to ensure that speaking up guidance and processes are easily understood and address any local issues that may hinder the speaking up process. Assess the effectiveness of local Freedom to Speak Up processes and the handling of individual cases, intervening when these are failing people who speak up, and making recommendations for improvement. Information from cases raised by people speaking up, and barriers to speak up, is brought alongside other intelligence on patient safety, service quality, and staff experience and used to inform organisational learning and development. Ensure that local policies and processes are clear and readily available to all staff, meet minimum standards where they are set, and are regularly reviewed and updated. Undertake any research required as part of the role for example researching updates to national guidance or best practice in relation to the FTSU service. Supporting Staff Assess the knowledge and capability of staff to speak up and to support people when they speak up. Ensure that individuals receive appropriate feedback on how issues that they speak up about are investigated, and on the conclusion of any investigation. Where necessary, give extra support, including 1-2-1 support, to people who are experiencing difficulty with speaking up, or those who are experiencing difficulty in handling or supporting someone who is speaking up. Take action to ensure that freedom to speak up messages reach groups that may face particular barriers to speaking up. Ensure that information and data are handled appropriately, and personal and confidential data are protected. Senior Leadership Develop strong and open working relationships with the relevant Directors and Chief Executive, with direct access to them as required. Attend senior leadership meetings to report on Freedom to Speak Up activities. Reports on trends and themes relating to speaking up and barriers affecting peoples abilities to do so. Particular attention should be given to concerns which may suggest a link to patient or staff safety and wellbeing. Work with the senior leaders to ensure that they are taking appropriate action to create a Freedom to Speak Up culture, understanding trends, and responding to issues that are being raised. Ensure that senior leaders are fully engaged in all aspects of the Freedom to Speak Up culture. Safety and Quality Take immediate appropriate action when matters that people are speaking up about indicate that safety and quality may be compromised. Develop measures, data sets, and indicators to monitor trends and identify linkages between issues raised through people speaking up, and issues raised through other safety and quality routes. Transition the organisation towards quarterly reporting to the National Guardians Office on the speaking up cases raised at The Children's Trust. NHS Culture Take part in National Guardian Office and NHS England activities and training, developing personal networks and peer to peer relationships, contributing to wider networking events, and sharing and learning from best practice. Raise issues that cannot be resolved locally with NHS Englands national FTSU Guardian, including if the organisation appears to be failing in its obligations Management of self and others Operate independently, impartially and objectively, whilst working in partnership with individuals and groups throughout the organisation, including the senior leadership team. Keep abreast of developments and best practice, assessing their own development and training needs, and seeking support in addressing these. Plan and organise own work schedule and the work of the champions to ensure that activities are completed within agreed timescales, to deliver an effective and efficient service. Regularly assess own skills and capabilities and take action to improve. Undertake other or additional duties that are within your skills and abilities, as the organisation may reasonably require from time to time. Professionalism Act with integrity and display behaviours that encourage speaking up and challenge poor practice. Take action and raise concerns when issues arise. Adhere to the policies and procedures of The Childrens Trust. Maintain professional boundaries and professionalism at all times. Commit to demonstrating the organisations values and behaviours at all times. Health and Safety Adhere to all Health and Safety guidelines, principles, and regulations to perform your role and comply with The Childrens Trust policies and procedures. Provide evidence of all vaccinations (or medical exemption) required for the post. Adhere to manual handling procedures and complete mandatory manual handling training. Promote the health and safety of others. Use the incident reporting and risk assessment system (IRAR), to identify and report risks and incidents/actions if directed. Identify and mitigate risk within the work environment. Wellbeing and Emotional Resilience Maintain a positive approach and outlook when dealing with change and overcoming challenges and problems. Recognise own limitations, develop realistic goals, and use support network resource when or if necessary. Treats challenges and problems as a learning experience. Remain organised and focused when under pressure. Ensure attendance at monthly supervision as well as attend safeguarding specific supervision. Access mentoring support from external FTSU guardian (to be arranged by The Childrens Trust). Person Specification Experience Essential Significant experience of the Freedom to Speak Up agenda either as a Guardian or equivalent. Experience of partnership building and relationship managing. Experience of training and building capability within the workforce. Experience of working in collaboration with senior leaders. Knowledge Essential Demonstrable knowledge of FTSU matters. Awareness of the barriers to effective communication and strategies to overcome them. Knowledge of local and national policies related to whistleblowing and staff support. Qualifications Essential Completion of the Fountain Training and ongoing professional development as required by the National Guardians office. Desirable Relevant clinical qualification in a care setting. Personal Qualities Essential Commitment to the vision and values of The Childrens Trust. Flexible and can do attitude to competing commitments in workload. Highly motivated and reliable. Ability to cope working in a demanding environment. Skills & Abilities Essential Confident but empathic communicator, able to effectively engage with staff at all levels. Excellent leadership skills. Able to drive continuous improvement. Effective time management and prioritisation skills. Strong analytical skills, able to devise and present complex reports measuring impact and effectiveness. Able to devise and implement effective training strategies. Able to work with staff at all levels including senior leaders. Able to remain impartial and objective while handling sensitive issues. Able to use and manage databases to track and report on cases. Proficient use of the Microsoft Office Suite. Person Specification Experience Essential Significant experience of the Freedom to Speak Up agenda either as a Guardian or equivalent. Experience of partnership building and relationship managing. Experience of training and building capability within the workforce. Experience of working in collaboration with senior leaders. Knowledge Essential Demonstrable knowledge of FTSU matters. Awareness of the barriers to effective communication and strategies to overcome them. Knowledge of local and national policies related to whistleblowing and staff support. Qualifications Essential Completion of the Fountain Training and ongoing professional development as required by the National Guardians office. Desirable Relevant clinical qualification in a care setting. Personal Qualities Essential Commitment to the vision and values of The Childrens Trust. Flexible and can do attitude to competing commitments in workload. Highly motivated and reliable. Ability to cope working in a demanding environment. Skills & Abilities Essential Confident but empathic communicator, able to effectively engage with staff at all levels. Excellent leadership skills. Able to drive continuous improvement. Effective time management and prioritisation skills. Strong analytical skills, able to devise and present complex reports measuring impact and effectiveness. Able to devise and implement effective training strategies. Able to work with staff at all levels including senior leaders. Able to remain impartial and objective while handling sensitive issues. Able to use and manage databases to track and report on cases. Proficient use of the Microsoft Office Suite. 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. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information 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. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name The Children's Trust Address The Childrens Trust Tadworth Court Tadworth Surrey KT20 5RU Employer's website https://www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/jobs (Opens in a new tab)