Nine out of ten guardians would recommend role to others, as survey provides roadmap for future improvements
This year’s survey of Freedom to Speak Up guardians has revealed the importance of the role and guardians’ need for improved support to help them do their job.
The 2025 Guardian survey, conducted between 19 May and 13 June, provides crucial insights into how the Guardian role is being delivered. It comes at a critical moment for the National Guardian’s Office, which has begun the process of transitioning core functions to NHS England, before closing in March 2026. Its findings offer those who will become responsible for the guardian network guidance on what guardians a looking for to support their work fostering cultures of openness, safety, and accountability across the NHS and beyond.
Key findings
Nine out of ten respondents said they would recommend the Guardian role, and many said they found the role rewarding, fulfilling, and a privilege. Nevertheless, the survey results highlight several challenges:
Time and resources: Many guardians lack sufficient ring-fenced time to engage with workers and manage their caseloads effectively. Inadequate funding, workspace, and communications support undermine their work.
Recognition: Concerns persist that the minimum Band 7 pay recommendation doesn’t reflect the leadership and strategic influence the role requires. Many respondents wanted better alignment between responsibilities and remuneration.
Support needs: Guardians wanted more practical tailored resources from national bodies, alongside stronger authority to challenge poor practice and support complex cases.
Recommendations
The review sets out comprehensive recommendations for both local organisations and future national bodies, focusing on enhanced local implementation, improved organisational support, strengthened communications, leadership engagement, and guardian wellbeing.
Read Freedom to Speak Up Guardian Survey 2025, Thematic Review.