Introducing our new Freedom to Speak Up Champions

Image of five people standing outside

As part of our celebrations for the National Freedom to Speak Up month, North Bristol NHS Trust has launched our new Champions who are supported by the Trust’s Freedom to Speak Up Guardians. The Champions’ role is to support our network of Guardians and be another set of ears for staff to speak to with any concerns at work.

The champions work across a diverse range of roles and locations across NBT including Maternity, Facilities, Pathology and Pharmacy to give staff a wide and representative choice of who they may be most comfortable to speak to. The Champions help by being an accessible point of support, will help signpost and empower staff and help us break down barriers to staff feeling they have a voice that counts.

Throughout the month, the champions will be helping raise awareness about their new roles and speaking to staff on the ground about their experiences.

Our Lead Freedom to Speak Up Guardian said “I’m delighted that we now have the first of our passionate Champions in place. They are already a great asset to the team and will help expand on the work that is already taking place. Our growing numbers and diversity of our team show a real commitment to creating an open and honest culture at NBT.

Over the past years, we have been working hard to ensure every single staff member knows about the FTSU route and the importance of speaking up, that concerns will be listened to and addressed, without the fear of retribution. 

Thank you to all our Freedom to Speak Up Guardians and Champions for all you’re doing. It’s hugely appreciated.”