Become a Governor

Foundation Trusts are based on membership with local people having their say through the  Council of Governors.

Why become a Governor?

• Have your say about local services and future provision.
• Influence who is on the Trust’s Board of Directors.
• Make a difference for your local community.
• Act as an ambassador for our Trust.

Who can become a Governor?

Anyone who is a member of the Trust and aged 16 years or over can stand for election as a governor. They must also be part of the designated constituency area.

Do I need any qualifications or experience to become a Governor?

You do not need to have any formal qualifications or previous experience to be a governor; you just need to have a passion for improving services within the NHS. We will provide all of the help, training and support that you need to carry out the role.

Will I be paid to be a Governor?

Governors are not paid, but we are happy to repay any expenses incurred when carrying out the governor role.

How much time is required to fulfill my role as a Governor?

Governors are required to:

• Make themselves available to do any necessary Trust training.
• Be available to attend all four of our formal Council of Governors meetings.
• Be available to attend our Annual Members Meeting (half a day).
• Spend time preparing for any meetings that they attend.
• Be available to observe at our Board sub-committee meetings to observe the work of the committee (optional).
• Spend time engaging with members.

How long are governors in office for?

Governors are elected or appointed for a term of office of three years.  When that terms of office has finished, they can stand for re-election or re-appointment, but only for a maximum of six years in total.

If a governor steps down before the end of the three-year term it counts as the full three years in office.  Terms of office do not need to be served consecutively, there can be a break between them.

What is the difference between a governor and a director?

Governors are volunteers who represent local communities, staff groups, and partner organisations.  They are elected by the membership or appointed by our partner organisations.

Directors set the strategy for our Trust and are responsible for ensuring services are of a high quality.  The Board of Directors is made up of seven executive directors including the Chief Executive, one of whom is non-voting; and seven non-executive directors including the Chair.  The non-executives are appointed by the Council of Governors and provide independent challenge to the executive directors.

What is the role of lead governor?

The lead governor may facilitate direct communication between NHS England and the Trust’s Council of Governors.  However, there will be limited circumstances when this is required where the normal channels of communication via the Chair or the Trust Secretary are not suitable.

What is the role of the senior independent director?

The role of senior independent director (SID) is to be available to governors and members if they have concerns about the performance of the Board of Directors, compliance with the terms of authorisation or welfare of the Trust.  The SID would be contacted when normal channels of communication via the chair, chief executive, finance director, or trust secretary are not suitable.  The SID is also involved in appraising the performance of the chair.