Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Freedom to Speak Up Guardians School of Health
Healthcare and social work and social care guardians
We know from research within the School of Health and from placement evaluations, that our students can often struggle to speak out about bullying, harassment, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, or other unacceptable behaviour.
The School of Health has appointed four Freedom to Speak Up Guardians for students on NHS healthcare and social work and social care courses whose roles are to support our strategic goal of providing a safe equitable learning environment for every student, building trust and confidence in our reporting and support processes.
The guardians will work closely with the director of health partnerships and other members of the school senior executive team with training and development being provided by school researchers and the national Guardian Freedom to Speak Up organisation. The School of Health Freedom to Speak Up Guardians will begin to develop networks with other post holders in local HEIs, NHS Trusts and Local Authorities and will gain support and development from EDI colleagues in the school and wider university.
Dr Angela Murphy
I worked in the NHS from 1992 to 2009 and have been in higher education since 2009. Throughout my career I have always placed an emphasis on supporting others and as a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian I will listen carefully, and respond with care, compassion and integrity. I have carried out research into the lived experiences of students and feel strongly that everyone should have a fair chance in life. I am privileged to be granted the role of Freedom to Speak Up Guardian and will do my best to support anyone who requires my support.
Mark Williams
I qualified as a Social Worker in 1995 and began my career supporting people in community across children and adult services. As a black professional in social work, I have been very interested in fair treatment and challenging injustices that people face in their everyday lives. Since joining the university in 2004 I have continued in that vein in my support of students. One of my main research interests centres on students experience in practice learning settings and fair assessment.
I am pleased to be able to extend my role working with students as a ‘Freedom to Speak up Guardian’ and commit to listening to students’ needs and advocating for the best outcomes in the students’ experience.
Alex Liversidge
I worked in the NHS as a biomedical scientist for almost 20 years with roles as a training manager and laboratory manager. I have experience of supporting staff professionally and personally across a range of circumstances. It has been a privilege to support many colleagues and trainees to achieve their potential regardless of their background. I am now a lecturer at Leeds Beckett University and placement lead for the BSc Applied Biomedical Sciences pathway. I understand that the step from student to professional can seem daunting and will provide assistance in any way I can in my role as a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian.
Sarah Thompson
Following 13 years working as a nurse in the NHS, I moved into higher education in 2022. In my nursing career I have undertaken various roles, through which I have listened to concerns, advocated for others and supported people to ensure their voices are heard. I have experience working in services focusing on reducing inequalities and believe everyone should have the chance to achieve their potential. I am committed to taking a supportive, empathetic and compassionate approach to my work. As a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian, I consider it a privilege to work with anyone who feels they need support.
