To have created a fuss at work?

[TenLittleSweetWrappers]

I’m qualified to do a role, but intentionally took on a lesser role as it was less responsibility.
However, I’ve been asked to do a role that needs my qualification - although I’m told I’m not responsible. The role involves safety and safeguarding.

I queried this with a senior manager and he spoke to me at a time when I was extremely stressed (I do feel the responsibility for safety even though I’m told I’m not responsible) and I think I probably came across as quite rude.
He said he was going to put some strategies in place to help at the most stressful times - but the job isn’t well paid and I could easily leave and do another minimum wage job.

I do like my job - most of the time - but if a serious incident occurred, I’m not sure where I stand regarding safety.
The colleagues I work with are aware of my concern, are not qualified and have the same contract as me. I think they are anxious on the days I work as they seem unclear about my role.
I have nothing in writing, just a verbal telling that ‘I’m not considered responsible’ by senior managers.

It’s very confusing! Not sure what to do??

But I’m really, really surprised that a senior manager - with a very big responsibility for safeguarding doesn’t really ‘get’ this…

?

Your attitude here is a bit odd. At any given point you could be called as a witness, whether it’s as an employee or otherwise. You can’t prevent that. Eg your colleague could call you as a witness over bullying, you might later find yourself explaining what you witnessed at an employment tribunal. That doesn’t make you directly liable.

Ultimately if you have only just started this job, you have no reason to stick around, so just keep up the job search.

Ok. I have now had a really nice reply - confirming that everyone is responsible! Thing is I do really like the role, but it’s just so important to me that everyone is as safe as possible.

I did contact my union, but the response there was somewhat ambiguous!

I think I’ve covered myself - I’ve got a written response, that I’ve asked my union.

My organisation are going to put some measures in place too to help.
Thanks everyone!

If I was on duty in a work situation where someone could get injured, I would not care about the company 'taking responsibility', I would be hyper alert and probably anxious about everyone's safety. And I would not want to be paid minimum wage for it.
Hope you find a resolution OP.
Oh, we cross posted - you have found one - good!

I know what you mean. I work on a mental health ward. Our minimum staffing is ideally 2 nurses and 3 support workers, but sometimes, eg if a nurse calls in sick , we end up with 1 nurse and 3/4 support workers. This sounds like, for example, you’re qualified to work as a nurse but are currently working as a support worker and your organisation wants you in the nursing numbers without paying you equivalent or you officially counting. I know it’s unlikely to be the same field, but if it’s anything like this at all you need to be very very careful as this sounds potentially legally dangerous. Do you have a professional body you’re registered with? Maybe contact them.

and I’ve asked to reduce my hours on the days when I’m asked to do the role
This is concerning. If they ask and tou agree to cover the role, them yes, it becomes your responsibility.

If you are paid extra hours to cover that role, it implies that there is a contractual arrangement for that role.

You need to now say no every time and make sure your hours are reduced, explaining why.

Thanks. Yes I did think that. If I’m qualified as a nurse, take on a different job and agree to start doing the nurses role, I would be liable.

It’s my contracted working hours, but it’s a role that started a few weeks ago within my contracted hours. I’m with two other people who are paid the same as me, same contract - but I’ve been out there as they need a 1:30 and I have that qualification.

Only I do now have it in writing that I’ve asked, and confirmed by a senior leader that ‘I’m not responsible’.

A qualified nurse is on a professional register (NMC) and therefore is duty bound to follow a code of conduct and not work outside their code of conduct. Their employer should have indemnity insurance and if they don’t then it is the nurses responsibility to ensure they take out their own cover.
Without a professional body I imagine that it’s more of a grey area - if you feel you are being asked to do something that potentially puts service users at risk then you still have a duty of care, need to raise your concerns and speak to your union representative if you feel that your employer hasn’t addressed the issue. You should still raise concerns even if you have it in writing that it’s not your responsibility.

I think if you are qualified for the role and they need you they should pay you extra and have it put in your contract. Otherwise don’t do it.