About the role
The new role of The Freedom To Speak Up (FTSU) Guardian was established in January 2023 for colleagues working in the Department of Health and Community Services (HCS).
The role is to make sure voices and concerns of colleagues in HCS are heard and acted upon. Using these as opportunities for continued learning and development. They will also promote better service delivery to patients and all those who come to us for help.
The Freedom To Speak Up Guardian will get out and about in the organisation and meet colleagues. They'll:
- hold regular walkabouts and drop-in sessions in the hospital and at all other HCS sites
- arrange focus groups with colleagues
- be involved in the induction of new colleagues
The Freedom To Speak Up Guardian provides an independent service. Matters raised are kept confidential and only shared with the consent of the person raising the concern or issue. They want to hear from employees about any issue stopping them from delivering the best possible patient care. Regardless of where the employees work in HCS.
They are supporting an open-door culture, where people feel confident that they can speak out about issues in HCS.
Our Freedom to Speak Up Guardian will act upon all concerns and issues raised. They will be supported by the Assistant Chief Executive and the new board for HCS, which is in the process of being established.
Contact The Freedom To Speak Up Guardian
Freedom To Speak Up Guardian
Ashling McNevin
speakup@health.gov.je
+44 (0) 7797 952811
Do not use this phone number at the weekends, on bank holidays or to report emergencies.
Only the Freedom To Speak Up Guardian has access to the email inbox and all queries will be treated in strict confidence.
If you’re a member of the public you need to raise a query or give feedback email feedback@health.gov.je.
Who is The Freedom to Speak Up Guardian
The Freedom To Speak Up Guardian for Health and Community Services is Ashling McNevin.
Ashling is a qualified counsellor and social worker.
She has worked for the public service for the past 15 years. She had had previously roles within:
- Child, Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) Team as a Senior Social Worker
- Adult Social Work Team, specialising in palliative care
- Les Amis, initially as a support worker for adults with learning disabilities. She then helped to set up and run the children’s respite service jointly led by Les Amis and Jersey Mencap
Ashling has also volunteered for the Hospice Community Bereavement Service.
She believes that everyone have the right to be treated with respect and dignity including:
- colleagues
- patients
- all service users
She’ll strive to promote the rights, strengths and wellbeing of others.
Ashling adheres to the professional standards and values set out by Social Work England. Both the Social Work standards and values and the BACP Ethical Framework will inform her practice.
Ashling brings these professional and ethical practices into this new role. She would encourage any employee who has any concerns to bring them forward to her in the strictest confidence.
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