Meet our Freedom to Speak up Champions!

As a former FTSU Champion, it is Carolin’s ambition to ensure that everyone feels enabled to be honest and transparent when things aren’t quite right. For Carolin, Freedom to Speak Up is about:

• Supporting colleagues to feel able to work to their full potential
• CityCare striving for continual service improvement through honest feedback
• Giving insights into how CityCare can do things differently.

I am delighted to introduce myself as a new Deputy Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) Guardian. For the past three years, I’ve served as an FTSU Champion supporting the team and championing speaking up day to day, therefore I am very pleased to be stepping into this new role. 

I am stepping into this Deputy Guardian role because I’ve seen first-hand how being heard can change someone’s day—and improve care. By aligning our values and behaviours with everyday practice, I aim to model the openness, compassion and fairness we ask of one another. 

The FTSU process empowers every individual to have their voice heard, and I am committed to listening to each person’s lived experience without judgement or bias. Listening to staff, supporting them to share experiences and identify learning is essential to maintaining a satisfied workforce and is central to our quality and safety agenda. If you ever want to talk—whether for advice, a sounding board or simply to be heard—my door (and inbox) is always open.

I am genuinely excited to introduce myself as your new Deputy Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) Guardian. 

This isn’t just a title for me—it’s a commitment to championing a safe, alternative space where you can talk through concerns, share experiences, or escalate issues when you need to. 

When you come to me, you’ll have my full attention: I’ll listen carefully to what’s affecting you, without judgement or rush, and I’ll make sure you know about—and can access—the full range of supportive services our organisation offers so you feel well throughout the process.

 I try to be the kind of colleague I’d want for myself: compassionate, naturally empathetic and approachable, someone who makes sure you feel genuinely heard. I am committed to finding a constructive resolution if that’s what you need—and just as importantly, to walking alongside you so you feel supported every step of the way. 

If a quick chat would help—over Teams, a corridor catch‑up, or a coffee—I’m here when you need me.

​​​​Erica is passionate about staff engagement and creating an inclusive working environment, which is one of the reasons why she became a Freedom To Speak Up Champion. Erica has experience working on Staff Surveys and with Staff Networks in the community and hospital settings, which has been invaluable in improving and contributing to better outcomes for staff and patients. She believe it is essential for staff to feel empowered, to know that we have a voice and that our feedback matters and is valued.

Erica said : "I think staff should be comfortable raising concerns when things are not going right and encouraged to put forward ideas to improve a service or process for themselves or their patients. My aims as a Freedom To Speak Up Champion are to provide a listening ear and to support staff throughout their Freedom To Speak Up journey." 

Kath Browning, Clinical Educator at Nottingham CityCare spoke about why she became a Freedom to Speak Up Champion:

"I have a real passion for supporting those who may not feel confident enough to speak up and I feel it's invaluable in fostering a culture of openness and accountability. I  want to ensure individuals within CityCare feel safe and empowered to voice their concerns or grievances."

"Its so important that our colleagues are listened to are provided with support and encouragement, and that their voices are truly heard and taken into account.I feel that this can greatly contribute to improving workplace morale, trust, and overall well-being." 

Before Rob joined CityCare at the end of 2022 he previously worked for Sport England in London, to encourage children and families to get active together in hard to reach areas. Whether it’s supporting individuals or offering an ear, everyone deserves to have their views and opinions heard.

Rob says: "I understand everyone has their good days and their tougher days, as well as juggling work and personal life, if I can be there to offer a safe space to listen to your concerns I'd be more than happy to and the reason why I joined the Freedom to Speak Up Champions."

Before becoming Head of Clinical Services: Community Nursing, Rehab and Falls and Adult Bladder and Bowel Service , Katy worked in our Safeguarding team.

Katy became an FTSU Champion because she strongly believes people should be able to freely raise any concerns they may have.

Katy also recognises the need for different pathways to be available to ensure their voices are heard and support positive change when things are not working as they should be.

I chose to become a freedom to speak up champion because I had experienced how well it can achieve change firsthand. I had accessed the coffee and chat by chance and before I knew it, I had made a change in HR policy. I am really passionate that all staff have the opportunity to have their voice heard and be supported in getting the right people to hear it. freedom to speak up allows for advocacy, support and real action.

I became an FTSU Champion because I believe everyone should feel safe and confident to speak up. For me, FTSU is about trust, openness, and making sure every voice is heard so we can improve both staff wellbeing and patient care.

I am excited to be a Freedom to Speak Up Champion because I am passionate about creating a workplace culture where staff feel safe, supported, and empowered to raise concerns, recognising the positive impact this has on both staff wellbeing and patient care. Through my experience as a Speech and Language Therapist, I have seen first-hand how environments where people feel unable to speak up can negatively affect morale and mental health, as well as the significant benefits when individuals feel heard and supported. I am keen to use skills such as active listening, alongside experience in supervision and coaching, to create a safe space for open discussions. I am committed to fostering a culture of openness by promoting Freedom to Speak Up across my networks, facilitating accessible opportunities for staff to raise concerns, and encouraging the use of challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement.

I believe every voice deserves to be heard without fear. As an empathetic, sensitive and impartial FTSU champion, I aim to be a visible, approachable and friendly presence in practice. I am committed to fostering a strong speak‑up culture and inspiring others to join the team.

My name is Victoria Roberts (Vicky).

I have been a Rehab Support Worker for UCR Team for nearly 4 years.

I have lots of experience looking after people with physical and mental health conditions, whether it's at work or my personal life and always try to build people's confidence and independence.

I have always spoken up when I see injustice or when people are treated unfairly.

I feel positive that I would enjoy this role with FTSU and make a difference, as I naturally help others whether it's at work, home or even in the supermarket.

As a champion, my aim is to provide staff with a safe space where they feel heard without fear of negative consequences or judgement. It is vital that staff feel able to raise concerns openly. I pride myself on fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment for all and I encourage colleagues to reach out if they need support. I am always happy to listen.