In January, Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust will begin the election process to appoint six new governors.

The Trust will be seeking nominations from members of the public to fill six seats on the Council of Governors from constituencies across the district: two in Bradford South and one each in Keighley, Craven, Shipley and to represent the Rest of England.

Governors play an important role within the Trust by representing the views of the public to the very senior managers, involving local communities and helping with the appointment of senior members of some Board members including the Chair and Chief Executive.

To apply for the role, members of the public must be members of the Trust. Membership is free and people can complete a membership form online. All members will receive invitations to healthcare talks and events and are eligible to vote in Trust elections.

Members of the Trust who are interested in becoming a governor will be able to complete and submit a nomination form between Wednesday 16 January and Wednesday 13 February via the Trust’s website: www.bdct.nhs.uk/about-us/our-council-of-governors/become-a-governor/.

The Trust will also hold three public events where people from local communities can learn more about the organisation’s work and how they can contribute. These will take place on Thursday 17 January, 5:30pm, Central Hall, Alice Street, Keighley; Thursday 24 January, 5:30pm, Dyneley Barn, Newmarket Street, Skipton; and Friday 1 February, 10:00am, New Mill, Victoria Road, Saltaire.

The Trust’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Paul Hogg, said: “Our Council of Governors helps us to make our services better by providing us with the views of people from our local communities. This feedback helps us to identify where we might improve services so they meet the needs of local people. I’d encourage anyone who has an interest in healthcare and is looking to broaden their experience to nominate themselves for a governor position.”

Members of the public can find out more about Trust membership and the role of governor by contacting the Trust’s membership office on 01274 363430 or ft@bdct.nhs.uk, or by visiting the Trust website: www.bdct.nhs.uk.