Following on from National Speak Up Week last week, our Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) team are recruiting for Champions.
All colleagues are welcome to apply, you just need to be passionate about supporting people to deliver great and safe care and services, and you live our values.
One of our current Champions, Donna Borg Leigh, works as a Staff Support Counsellor and chose to volunteer her time to ensure she can support those raising concerns.
“I had experience of being a FTSU Champion in its infancy whilst working at another trust. After experiencing a difficult time at work and reaching out to my FTSU Guardian for support, finding some peace in being listened to, and ultimately my issue being resolved in an extremely positive way, it encouraged me to help others find their own best outcome.
“I took some time to heal before exploring the Champion role with both Lorraine, our FTSU Guardian, and Jane Hutton, my manager. I wanted to ensure that my job role as Staff Support Counsellor was my first priority, however I recognised that the Champion role gave me the advantage of being increasingly present for my colleagues.
“I was clear with my boundaries in terms of not allowing our therapeutic space to be used for FTSU, however after sharing this with both Lorraine and Jane we all agreed a pathway that works in a positive and effective way.
“One of my main concerns was how much time I would have to dedicate to my Champion role and if it would become too much work, however I’ve found that it works in perfect harmony. The wider FTSU team are always on hand and it’s a growing network of support.
“I have been able to support my colleagues in our Staff Support Team with those raising concerns as well as sharing updates and learning. The role has provided me with a more streamline and effective approach to my job, whilst allowing colleagues to focus on tasks specific to their role, sharing the workload in a well-coordinated fashion.
“I can truthfully say that I enjoy both my job role and Champion position. I feel fulfilled, rewarded, have a sense of pride, great job satisfaction and above this, when a colleague tells me “I feel listened to” it takes me back to why I joined!”
Speaking on Donna’s Champion role and how it has positively impacted the Staff Support Service, Dr Jane Hutton, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, said: "Our staff support service is very busy and we are always trying to use our time as efficiently as possible to keep our waiting times down. At the same time, I know that making job plans as varied, and as relevant to my team's strengths, as possible, is important in keeping our roles rewarding and sustainable in these challenging times.
“I knew that Donna had some challenging work experiences before she joined us, which she has really thought through and learnt from. When she approached me about becoming a FTSU Champion, I knew she would be perfect for the role and that she would be able to bring her own experience to bear in supporting others.
“It's been great to see how Donna has balanced her two roles as a counsellor and a Champion in order to give colleagues the support they need."
The Champion application form can be found here. Please return the form via email to FTSU Guardian, Lorraine Heaton, by 9 November.
