FTSU - The Guardian Service Report
Meeting: Trust Board – Public Meeting
Date: 11 February 2026
Report Title: FTSU - The Guardian Service Report
Agenda Item: PUB26/02/4.3
Author: Kimberley Gillingham, FTSU Guardian - The Guardian Service Ltd, Danielle Marshall, FTSU Guardian - The Guardian Service Ltd, Liz Cunnell, Chief of Staff
Lead Director: Neill Moloney, Chief Executive Officer
Purpose:
| Decision/Approval | Discussion/Review | Information/Noting |
|---|---|---|
| X |
Assurance:
| None | Limited | Reasonable | Substantial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Link to CQC Domain | Link to EEAST’s Strategic Missions: | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Caring | X | Patient Mission | |
| Responsive | Partnership Mission | ||
| Effective | People Mission | X | |
| Well Led | X | Productivity Mission | |
| Safe |
Link to Strategic Risk:
| SR1 | SR3 | SR5 | SR7 | SR9 | |||||
| SR2 | X | SR4 | SR6 | SR8 | SR10 |
Equality Impact Assessment: |No negative impact identified|
Previously considered by: Not previously considered.
Purpose: The purpose of this report is to inform the Board of the number of Freedom to Speak Up concerns raised via The Guardian Service Ltd (GSL) between October-December 2025.
Recommendation: Recommendations detailed within the report and below.
Executive Summary:
Between the period of 1st October – 31st December, a total of 64 concerns were raised to the GSL. The highest number of cases were recorded in Norfolk and Waveney and the Emergency Operation Centres. Cases across the region continue to increase:
The most common theme for concerns remains system and processes, behaviours and management issues.
The report makes the following recommendations. A recent internal audit recommended an improved process for follow up on feedback and recommendations. A task and finish group meet monthly to review actions and opportunities for feedback. Updates will be shared through Board reports.
| AREA | DETAIL | ACTIONS | OWNER |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management Reviews | Clarity on Policies – staff are not given clear guidance on policies | Raise with HR services & HRBPs. Share with HOCOs for communication at team meetings. Time To Listen event focused on policy. Long term plan to simplify policies. | Lucy Moss, HOCOs, Liz Cunnell, Marika Stephenson |
| Kindness Campaign | Reflection on the relationships and behaviours | Consideration for a campaign in the communications plan. Aligns with our values and Organisational Development Programme | Lauren Singleton, Liz Cunnell |
| Internal Communications | Communication channels | Utilising a key messages channel with HOCOs through teams, Developing a digital approach to comms for key messages – could include FTSU Increased engagement in areas of lower concerns | Liz Cunnell, Tom Bennett |
| Development | FTSU training sessions for managers | Will organise dates and advertise through EAST24. Plan dates for March 2026. | Liz Cunnell |
| FTSU Ambassadors | Increased engagement | Relaunch the ambassadors. Quarterly meetings with Guardians. More sign posting for our people | Liz Cunnell, Guardians |
Introduction / Background:
The Guardian Service has been working in partnership with East of England Ambulance Trust since 05 August 2024.
Key Issues / Risks:
None
Risks:
N/A
