Confidential Contact AdvisorSalary: £39,912 per annum (pro rata if part-time)
Contract: Fixed-term – 12 weeks initially
Hours: Part-time or full-time (flexible)
Location: Fully remote (with occasional travel)
Role OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Confidential Contact Advisor to deliver a trusted, independent, and confidential service for staff raising whistleblowing and Speak Up concerns.
The postholder will provide expert advice and support to individuals raising concerns, undertake and support whistleblowing investigations in line with National Whistleblowing Standards, and produce high-quality reports for senior leaders and governance committees. The role requires excellent judgement, resilience, and the ability to work sensitively with complex and emotionally challenging situations.
Key Responsibilities
1. Provide a confidential contact service for individuals raising whistleblowing and Speak Up concerns
2. Ensure all advice, guidance, and signposting adheres to National Whistleblowing Standards
3. Meet with complainants/whistleblowers to understand concerns and agree appropriate approaches
4. Conduct Stage 1 whistleblowing investigations and produce reports where appropriate
5. Support Stage 2 investigations, including arranging and transcribing witness interviews, taking witness statements, managing evidence, drafting reports, and monitoring timescales
6. Maintain confidential case records in line with Information Governance requirements
7. Develop and maintain reporting processes and produce monthly, quarterly, and annual whistleblowing and Speak Up reports
8. Analyse complex data from multiple systems to identify trends and systemic issues
9. Present information and reports to a wide range of audiences, including Governance Committees
10. Manage internal action plans arising from investigations and liaise with responsible officers
11. Promote the Speak Up service, coordinate Speak Up Week, and support awareness campaigns
12. Develop and deliver training on confidential contacts, whistleblowing standards, and investigations
13. Attend and contribute to the national Confidential Contacts network
14. Support or lead facilitation meetings and assist with team development sessions
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
15. Educated to degree level or equivalent, with Associate CIPD membership or demonstrable equivalent experience
16. Relevant experience in HR, employee relations, governance, or a similar role
17. Experience of working in a unionised environment
18. Highly developed written, verbal, and presentation skills
19. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage and interpret complex data
20. Proven ability to manage confidential, sensitive, and emotionally challenging cases
21. Facilitation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills
22. Assertive and diplomatic approach to negotiation
23. Strong IT and information management skills, including databases, spreadsheets, and reporting systems
24. Ability to maintain concentration for extended periods when undertaking investigations, facilitation meetings, and report writing
25. Ability to manage unpredictable workloads, frequent interruptions, and changing priorities
26. Willingness and ability to travel regularly, including long-distance journeys and ferry travel, and work across a range of clinical and non-clinical environments
27. Culturally and politically aware, with a strong commitment to confidentiality, partnership working, and customer-focused service delivery
28. Evidence of ongoing personal and professional development