National Guardian

Executive Level 1 - £131,000 pro rata (More may be available for an exceptional candidate) 

Contracted Hours: 4-5 days per week (with flexibility) 

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing date: 22nd August 2021 at 11.59pm 

About us 
The National Guardian’s Office and the role of the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian were created in response to recommendations made in Sir Robert Francis QC’s report “The Freedom to Speak Up” (2015). 

There are now over 700 Freedom to Speak Up Guardians in the NHS, independent sector organisations, national bodies and elsewhere. They ensure workers can speak up about any issues impacting their ability to do their job.  

The office leads, trains and supports this network of guardians and conducts case reviews of organisations when it appears that speaking up has not been handled according to best practice.  

The National Guardian’s Office also provides challenge and learning to the healthcare system as a whole as part of its remit. 

The National Guardian’s Office is hosted by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and receives its funding from CQC and NHSE/I. This will be an appointment by the Chief Executive of CQC on behalf of the Board in consultation with NHSE/I. 

The role 
Speaking up isn’t always an easy thing to do and there is much that gets in the way. That’s why the role of National Guardian was created.  

It’s a unique leadership position, at a national level, which requires a high degree of relationship-building and partnership working abilities. It requires the courage and skill to speak truth unto power and to report impartially and publicly on what is working well and on areas for improvement. 

Working across the entirety of the healthcare system, the role calls for appreciative and compassionate leadership of the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian network.  

Key priorities and challenges for the next National Guardian include: 

Coordinating and championing improvement in how workers who speak up are responded to by national bodies 
Continuing to champion the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian role, amplifying the voice of those in the role at the national level 
Working across the system to develop a data- and intelligence-led approach to understanding and monitoring speak up culture 
Drawing on good practice from other sectors  
 
The National Guardian will lead and inspire a small national office team of 22 full-time employees.  

About you 
The role requires visible role-modelling of the values that apply to the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian role, namely: courage, impartiality, empathy and learning. 

Among other qualities, you’ll bring excellent interpersonal, networking and communication skills, including dealing with the media; experience of leadership at a senior level, including working with advisory boards, chairing committees and reporting to senior officials and Ministers; analytical skills; an incisive, independent mind; and experience working within the NHS. 

Benefits 
CQC offers a generous benefits package of 27 days of annual leave (increasing to 29 days after three years, and 32.5 days after five years) plus bank holidays, NHS fleet hire, cycle scheme, employee support package and an employee discount scheme. All new starters automatically become a member of the NHS pension scheme. CQC also offers an excellent flexible working policy.  

Equality and Diversity  
We are committed to creating a diverse, talented and high-performing workforce and welcomes applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from disabled and BAME candidates in particular are encouraged.  

To express your interest in this opportunity and receive a Candidate Briefing Pack and application instructions please contact recruitment@cqc.org.uk before you apply.