Freedom to Speak Up Guardian

Essential

• Educated to degree level (Level 5) in a relevant subject or equivalent experience
• Requirement to obtain or maintain professional accreditation through annual refresher training. Ongoing registration may also require bespoke and or ad hoc training depending on future national developments.
• Training in wider advanced communication methods.

Desirable

• Coaching Qualification
• Speak Up Level 3 and or Speak Up Champions Training

Essential

• Significant experience of the Freedom to Speak Up agenda either as a Guardian, Partner or equivalent.
• Track record in supporting and listening to staff and in demonstrating the values of the DBTH Way and The NGO Guardians Values, alongside those of the NHS Constitution in day-to-day practice.
• Demonstrable experience of working with teams and colleagues to positively improve colleague experience.
• Experience of handling difficult situations professionally, setting boundaries and seeking support where necessary.
• Experience of partnership building and relationship management.
• Experience of training and building capability within the workforce.
• Experience of working in collaboration with senior leaders.
• Experience of collating, analysing, interpreting and presenting data to a wide range of stakeholders.

Desirable

• Experience of facilitating mediation
• Development of training packages
• Supporting and managing groups of colleagues at Network level

Essential

• Emotional intelligence and empathy - strong ability to engage sensitively and impartially with colleagues who may be in distress, fear of retribution, or experiencing workplace conflict.
• Communication and engagement - Highly developed oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex and sensitive information to workers, board members, regulators, and external partners in a way that fosters trust and action.
• Collaboration and networking - Ability to engage with national and regional freedom to speak up networks, sharing good practice and driving continuous improvement.
• Conflict resolution - Experience in navigating difficult conversations, resolving conflicts, and facilitating restorative approaches to address concerns.
• Data analysis and reporting - Ability to interpret patterns in speaking up data, triangulate findings with other workforce and patient safety metrics, and use insights to influence organisational policies and decisions.
• Project management and prioritisation - Ability to manage multiple complex cases, competing priorities, and sensitive information while ensuring timely and effective action
• Personal resilience and self-awareness - Ability to manage the emotional demands of the role, develop coping strategies, and maintain personal well-being while supporting others.
• Commitment to learning and development - Willingness to undertake ongoing training in freedom to speak up, National Guardian's Office annual refresher training, self-assessment against the guardian development guide, organisational learning, and psychological safety.
• Responsive and resilient
• Compassionate, approachable, trustworthy, and non-judgmental
• Highly motivated and enthusiastic
• Professional approach and image
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality and security of information.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

Desirable

• Leadership and influence - Ability to challenge constructively, hold senior leaders to account, and advocate for cultural transformation.
• Strategic thinking - Ability to analyse complex concerns and themes, provide insightful recommendations, and develop strategic interventions to improve the speaking-up culture.