The Freedom to Speak up Guardian gives independent support and advice to staff who want to raise concerns. The Guardian is not part of the management structure, instead they stand alone and can, if necessary, report directly to the Chief Executive, the directors and the Board.
Nadia Walsh is our Freedom to Speak Up Guardian.
When things go wrong, we need to make sure that lessons are learnt, and things are improved. If we think something might go wrong, it’s important that we all feel able to speak up to stop potential harm occuring. The role of a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian works with all staff to help organisations become more open and transparent places and encourage employees to ‘speak up’ without fearing that there might be consequences.
There are various channels for speaking up, including staff speaking with their line manager, their manager's manager, or a Trade Union Representative. In addition, the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian can provide a confidential ear for any serious concerns about clinical risks, malpractice and other serious concerns a member of staff may have.
Here at Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust we take raising concerns seriously. View the Trust's Freedom to Speak Up Policy.
Our Trust also has a Freedom to Speak Up Strategy, which sets out our ongoing committment and vision to ensuring staff feel safe to speak up, and are supported and encouraged to do so.
Our Trust-wide Champions work across both Tameside and Glossop IC NHS FT and Stockport NHS FT. They are available if you would like to explore a concern but are unsure about the best way to raise it.
They can:
- Offer a listening ear
- Help you understand the different routes available
- Signpost you to the most appropriate process
- Support you to make an informed decision about how you would like to proceed.
They do not:
- Carry a case load
- Investigate concerns
- Raise concerns on your behalf.
Their role is to provide clarity and confidence so you can choose the route that feels right for you; They also support Trust-wide awareness activity and help promote a consistent approach to speaking up across both organisations.
Champions
Christopher Dougherty - christopher.dougherty@stockport.nhs.uk
Victoria Rankin - victoria.rankin@stockport.nhs.uk
Sunitha Mathew - sunitha.mathew@tgh.nhs.uk
Fareeda Baluwala - fareeda.baluwala@stockport.nhs.uk
Rachel Hall - rachel.hall2@stockport.nhs.uk
Ursula Richards Cairns - ursula.richardscairns@stockport.nhs.uk
Jayn Seedhouse - Nicola.Seedhouse@stockport.nhs.uk