Support Manager

The Guardian service; Ashford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000

Job description

Freedom to Speak Up Guardian (Support Manager) - East Kent

The Guardian Service is the leading independent provider of Freedom to Speak-Up Guardians for the NHS in the UK. We offer an independent, confidential, and non-judgemental liaison service for staff to raise concerns, worries, or risks in the workplace.

Established in response to the mandatory requirement for all NHS trusts to appoint a Guardian, our work supports organisations to have an open culture where patient safety, welfare, and staff concerns are heard.

The ideal candidate will play a key role in supporting staff to feel comfortable raising concerns, no matter the size or complexity.

Responsibilities:

1. Engaging with employees to discuss workplace concerns, risks, or challenges with empathy and sensitivity.
2. Strong communication skills are essential, as you will need to confidently interact with individuals at all levels of the organisation.
3. In addition to one-on-one discussions, you will be required to present and brief both small and large groups of staff, ensuring key messages on Freedom to Speak Up are effectively communicated. Contact with staff may take place via telephone or in person, requiring flexibility and adaptability in your approach.

Minimum Requirements:

1. Proven management and organisational skills at a mid-management or higher level.
2. Demonstrable experience of interaction with mid-level and senior Executives, Directors, and Non-Executive Directors in addressing concerns and issues.
3. Proven experience of dealing sensitively with difficult issues, acting with integrity and maintaining confidentiality as appropriate.
4. Experience in giving presentations to small and large groups.
5. Experience in communicating at all levels of staff from all disciplines and/or grades.
6. Experience of planning and prioritising own workload, and working on own initiative.
7. Educated to A level standard or equivalent comparable experience (e.g., HR, Training, OD, Coaching, Mediation, Arbitration, etc.).

The successful applicant will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.