We describe the job description as being universal because the principles can apply to a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian role in any organisation.

Freedom to Speak Up Guardians are appointed by their organisation following a fair and open appointment process. They need sufficient time to carry out both the reactive and proactive elements of the job.

 

Freedom to Speak Up Guardians help:

  • Protect patient safety and the quality of care
  • Improve the experience of workers
  • Promote learning and improvement.

They do this by ensuring that:

  • Workers are supported in speaking up
  • Barriers to speaking up are addressed
  • The organisation encourages a positive culture of speaking
  • Matters raised are used as opportunities for learning and improvement.

The Freedom to Speak Up Guardian role is independent, but it is not isolated. To be a guardian requires strong partnership working at all levels within the organisation to identify appropriate contacts and escalation routes as sources of support for anything that might be spoken up about.

Job Description

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