Job summary We recently advertised for two B8a FTSU Guardian roles. We successfully recruited to one of these positions and are now looking to recruit to the remaining. Previous applications need not apply This is an exciting time to join EPUT as we have reviewed our Speaking Up ambitions for the trust and are seeking to recruit a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian to help us realise them. EPUT 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. You will support the Principal Freedom to Speak Up Guardian (FTSU) to 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. FTSU Guardians hold senior leaders and the Board to account with regard to the Trust's Speaking Up ambitions. Main duties of the job Main outcomes: A positive culture of speaking up is instilled throughout the trust with speaking up openly becoming business as usual All colleagues are aware of how to raise a concern through all Speak Up routes All colleagues are supported when they speak up and they support others to as well All concerns are listened to and appropriate action taken to resolve issues The trust learns from concerns raised and improvements are made as a result The trust is effectively aligned with National Guardian Office best practice guidance The right candidate will be 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, Executive Directors 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. The appointed FTSU Guardian will report to the Principal FTSU Guardian who is overseen by the FTSU Lead Executive Director and supported by the Non-Executive Lead FTSU Director. Freedom to Speak Up Guardians are high-profile roles and this service is accountable to the Chief Executive and Chair of the Board of Directors. About us EPUT are looking for motivated staff who shares our Trust values of Care, Learn and Empower. In return, EPUT can offer you a range of benefits and development including; Season Ticket Loans NHS discounts for staff Excellent Training facilities and opportunities Buying and Selling annual leave scheme The opportunity to work bank shifts and expand knowledge and experience in other areas Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work Day One Flexible Employer The Trust supports and actively encourages flexible working for all employees. We offer many options and you are encouraged to ask the recruiting manager what is possible for this role. If appointed, you will have the opportunity to apply for a flexible working request from the first day of your employment Join our Staff bank What is Staff Bank? Our EPUT NHS staff bank is an entity managed by the trust that hires clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals to take on shifts at our trust hospitals and community settings. Here at EPUT we maintain our own bank of specialist staff to ensure that we are able offer safe and effective care at all times. All our permanent staff are automatically enrolled onto the staff bank however this does not mean you have to work any additional shifts, but the option is there for you if you wish. If you are joining our Trust in a fixed term role, please indicate on your New Starter Paperwork that you wish to join our staff bank. Date posted 14 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8a Salary £53,755 to £60,504 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 364-A-8279-B Job locations The Lodge Lodge Approach, Runwell Wickford SS11 7XX Job description Job responsibilities Main duties of the job This role will contribute to safe working environments for service users and employees of the organisation. You will support the Chief Executive and Trusts 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 Principal FTSU Guardian you will ensure action is taken to ensure individuals and groups facing barriers to speaking up have the support they need. Maintaining the database of concerns raised will also be required and the sourcing of feedback to improve the service. You will contribute to FTSU reports and presentation to the Trust Board of Directors twice a year and a range of other meetings across the trust. Therefore report writing, presentation formulation and building positive relationships will also be required. Although working within a team of FTSU Guardians, each Guardian will ensure clear lines of accountability and escalate their authority outside of the organisation, seeking support and guidance from the National Guardians Office where / when appropriate. This is an opportunity to make a genuine, substantive and positive contribution on behalf of the Trust, its staff and patients, in a role which is highly-valued by the Board, staff at all levels, and external stakeholders. You can access support from regional networks and the National Guardians Office to understand and import good practice into the Trust. Job description Job responsibilities Main duties of the job This role will contribute to safe working environments for service users and employees of the organisation. You will support the Chief Executive and Trusts 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 Principal FTSU Guardian you will ensure action is taken to ensure individuals and groups facing barriers to speaking up have the support they need. Maintaining the database of concerns raised will also be required and the sourcing of feedback to improve the service. You will contribute to FTSU reports and presentation to the Trust Board of Directors twice a year and a range of other meetings across the trust. Therefore report writing, presentation formulation and building positive relationships will also be required. Although working within a team of FTSU Guardians, each Guardian will ensure clear lines of accountability and escalate their authority outside of the organisation, seeking support and guidance from the National Guardians Office where / when appropriate. This is an opportunity to make a genuine, substantive and positive contribution on behalf of the Trust, its staff and patients, in a role which is highly-valued by the Board, staff at all levels, and external stakeholders. You can access support from regional networks and the National Guardians Office to understand and import good practice into the Trust. Person Specification Education Essential Post Graduate qualification or equivalent in clinical / non-clinical related discipline Evidence of continuing professional development and specialist knowledge or experience Desirable Experienced Freedom to Speak Up Guardian Relevant Clinical qualification or training Evidence of continuous professional development, particularly - FTSU, including the National Guardian's Office / HEE's programme of training Evidence of continuous professional development, particularly -coaching qualification and / or mediation training Evidence of continuous professional development, particularly -project management Work Related Knowledge & Experience Essential High level of knowledge and expertise about the FTSU agenda / process and barriers to Speaking Up, Listening Up, Following Up A demonstrable track record of supporting and listening to colleagues and providing impartial advice in difficult work-related situations Ability to work with a range of stakeholders, especially those responsible for patient safety and patient and colleague experience, to ensure lessons are learnt, themes identified and necessary changes are made Experience of developing and reviewing cross organisational policies or initiatives Ability to evaluate and analyse highly complex and sensitive information Experience of planning, preparing and delivering training, presentations or highly complex, sensitive or contentious information to gain co-operation and commitment from large and diverse colleagues or stakeholders, including the Trust Board Experience of reporting and making authoritative recommendations based on highly complex information Management of highly confidential matters A developed understanding of the framework, policies and practical application of key processes relevant to the role, including: the Francis report, whistleblowing, incident reporting, bullying and harassment Knowledge and understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion legislation and guidance Knowledge and understanding of the principles of Data Protection, Confidentiality and good governance Knowledge and substantial experience of office IT applications including Word, Excel and Powerpoint Desirable Substantial NHS Experience across different organisations working with stakeholders at all levels Knowledge of internal and external sources of support to signposting individuals for guidance and support Knowledge of Trust policies and processes e.g. disciplinary, grievance and attendance management Skills & Aptitudes Essential Strong motivation to work in the field of raising concerns, speaking up and to drive continuous improvement Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to develop strong relationships with stakeholders, break down cross organisation barriers Ability to maintain impartiality / independence within difficult and conflicting situations Ability to write and present clearly, making information accessible to a wide audience Ability to receive and communicate highly sensitive, confidential and sometimes contentious information required for highly emotive subjects e.g. sexual safety, racism, discrimination etc Sound analytical and judgement skills including making decisions on appropriate approaches to sensitive or complex issues Commitment to creating an open, transparent, inclusive culture and sensitively challenge colleagues to address poor practice in relation to Speaking Up, Listening Up, Following Up, discrimination and inequalities Ability to manage financial budget / resources and adjust accordingly Ability to assess communication needs / materials / resources needed, quantities and scope to provide value for money Ability to follow up, challenge and escalate issues as necessary to ensure concerns are heard, addressed to a point of resolution and understand the potential implications Ability to challenge and hold senior colleagues to account to create a positive Speaking Up culture Motivating, influencing and negotiating skills with proven experience of success at leading change Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands Ability to manage own workload make informed decisions, prioritise conflicting demands, work independently to tight and often changing timescales and demands Ability to maintain accurate and confidential electronic records and produce information in appropriate formats as needed Negotiating and influencing skills, overcoming barriers to understanding and acceptance and reaching agreements Experience of working with and the ability to influence a wide range of individuals at Senior Manager/Director/CEO level and externally in the wider healthcare system Ability to gather and interpret data to identify the best way forward and to measure the effectiveness and impact of the service Desirable Experience of working in a planning, project or change management environment Track record of improvements to equality, health inequality diversity, and inclusion Personal qualities and attributes Essential Compassionate, approachable, trustworthy, impartial, independent, non-judgemental Demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and addressing barriers to these Personal credibility with the ability to quickly gain the confidence of a wide range of stakeholders and build positive and constructive relationships both internally and externally Experience of working on their own with minimum supervision taking high level decisions independently where needed High degree of emotional intelligence, responsiveness and resilience as there will be frequent unpredictable interruptions and exposure to colleagues reporting distressing and emotional issues requiring immediate attention Flexible approach to work to meet the needs of the Trust and able to switch at fast pace between workstreams and re-align priorities quickly Understand the Trust, its values, key priorities and challenges Other & Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours Essential Access to a car / personal transport with ability to travel independently to EPUT sites and beyond nationally as required The role will have an accessible office base and the post holder will be expected to travel across Trust sites as well as work from home Able to demonstrate the values of the Trust and the NHS constitution in daily working practice Person Specification Education Essential Post Graduate qualification or equivalent in clinical / non-clinical related discipline Evidence of continuing professional development and specialist knowledge or experience Desirable Experienced Freedom to Speak Up Guardian Relevant Clinical qualification or training Evidence of continuous professional development, particularly - FTSU, including the National Guardian's Office / HEE's programme of training Evidence of continuous professional development, particularly -coaching qualification and / or mediation training Evidence of continuous professional development, particularly -project management Work Related Knowledge & Experience Essential High level of knowledge and expertise about the FTSU agenda / process and barriers to Speaking Up, Listening Up, Following Up A demonstrable track record of supporting and listening to colleagues and providing impartial advice in difficult work-related situations Ability to work with a range of stakeholders, especially those responsible for patient safety and patient and colleague experience, to ensure lessons are learnt, themes identified and necessary changes are made Experience of developing and reviewing cross organisational policies or initiatives Ability to evaluate and analyse highly complex and sensitive information Experience of planning, preparing and delivering training, presentations or highly complex, sensitive or contentious information to gain co-operation and commitment from large and diverse colleagues or stakeholders, including the Trust Board Experience of reporting and making authoritative recommendations based on highly complex information Management of highly confidential matters A developed understanding of the framework, policies and practical application of key processes relevant to the role, including: the Francis report, whistleblowing, incident reporting, bullying and harassment Knowledge and understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion legislation and guidance Knowledge and understanding of the principles of Data Protection, Confidentiality and good governance Knowledge and substantial experience of office IT applications including Word, Excel and Powerpoint Desirable Substantial NHS Experience across different organisations working with stakeholders at all levels Knowledge of internal and external sources of support to signposting individuals for guidance and support Knowledge of Trust policies and processes e.g. disciplinary, grievance and attendance management Skills & Aptitudes Essential Strong motivation to work in the field of raising concerns, speaking up and to drive continuous improvement Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to develop strong relationships with stakeholders, break down cross organisation barriers Ability to maintain impartiality / independence within difficult and conflicting situations Ability to write and present clearly, making information accessible to a wide audience Ability to receive and communicate highly sensitive, confidential and sometimes contentious information required for highly emotive subjects e.g. sexual safety, racism, discrimination etc Sound analytical and judgement skills including making decisions on appropriate approaches to sensitive or complex issues Commitment to creating an open, transparent, inclusive culture and sensitively challenge colleagues to address poor practice in relation to Speaking Up, Listening Up, Following Up, discrimination and inequalities Ability to manage financial budget / resources and adjust accordingly Ability to assess communication needs / materials / resources needed, quantities and scope to provide value for money Ability to follow up, challenge and escalate issues as necessary to ensure concerns are heard, addressed to a point of resolution and understand the potential implications Ability to challenge and hold senior colleagues to account to create a positive Speaking Up culture Motivating, influencing and negotiating skills with proven experience of success at leading change Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands Ability to manage own workload make informed decisions, prioritise conflicting demands, work independently to tight and often changing timescales and demands Ability to maintain accurate and confidential electronic records and produce information in appropriate formats as needed Negotiating and influencing skills, overcoming barriers to understanding and acceptance and reaching agreements Experience of working with and the ability to influence a wide range of individuals at Senior Manager/Director/CEO level and externally in the wider healthcare system Ability to gather and interpret data to identify the best way forward and to measure the effectiveness and impact of the service Desirable Experience of working in a planning, project or change management environment Track record of improvements to equality, health inequality diversity, and inclusion Personal qualities and attributes Essential Compassionate, approachable, trustworthy, impartial, independent, non-judgemental Demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and addressing barriers to these Personal credibility with the ability to quickly gain the confidence of a wide range of stakeholders and build positive and constructive relationships both internally and externally Experience of working on their own with minimum supervision taking high level decisions independently where needed High degree of emotional intelligence, responsiveness and resilience as there will be frequent unpredictable interruptions and exposure to colleagues reporting distressing and emotional issues requiring immediate attention Flexible approach to work to meet the needs of the Trust and able to switch at fast pace between workstreams and re-align priorities quickly Understand the Trust, its values, key priorities and challenges Other & Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours Essential Access to a car / personal transport with ability to travel independently to EPUT sites and beyond nationally as required The role will have an accessible office base and the post holder will be expected to travel across Trust sites as well as work from home Able to demonstrate the values of the Trust and the NHS constitution in daily working practice 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). 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. 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 Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust Address The Lodge Lodge Approach, Runwell Wickford SS11 7XX Employer's website https://eput.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)