We recently increased our number of Freedom to Speak Up Guardians from four to 11, making it easier for our people to raise a concern.
This includes a second Guardian within our 111 teams, Ellie Kinson who is a Clinical Advisor based in Chesterfield. She told us a bit more about why she joined the FTSU Team…
“I’m really pleased that the opportunity to increase the number of Guardians came along. We have such a large 111 presence, around 2,000 people working within the service at DHU across three sites and working remotely. Now that we have 11 Guardians across the organisation, and any one of us can help any colleague from any department or site, it will make such a difference to raising a concern.
“I became a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian because I’ve seen how much courage it can take to raise a concern, especially in busy, high-pressure environments like healthcare. Working across different areas of the NHS, I’ve met incredible people who give everything to their roles but often put themselves last.
“I’ve seen how the right culture can lift people up and the wrong one can silence them. My aim is to help bridge that gap, to make speaking up not an act of bravery, but something that simply feels normal.
“For me, it’s about being the kind of support I wish I’d had at times; someone who listens without judgement and helps turn worries into action. We spend so much time caring for others that we sometimes forget to care for ourselves and each other, speaking up is part of that care.
“I believe in the power of conversation, that one honest chat can change a situation, a team dynamic, or even someone’s day. Sometimes all it takes is a listening ear, a bit of guidance, or knowing that someone will stand beside you.
“If I can help even one person feel less alone and more empowered to speak up, then that’s what makes this role worthwhile. Ultimately, I want to help build a workplace where kindness and accountability go hand in hand, where everyone feels valued, protected, and part of something better. That’s what Freedom to Speak Up means to me.”