Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust is encouraging local people to nominate themselves in its forthcoming governor elections.

Governors represent the views of local people in Trust discussions about its services and plans, and help to appoint some of the organisation’s most senior people, such as the Trust Chair. They can also get involved in activities like community-based membership events.

This year there are 14 governor seats open to the public across seven constituencies throughout the district: Bradford West, Bradford East and Bradford South, each with three seats; Shipley with two seats; and Craven, Keighley and Rest of England have one seat each.

Lead Governor at the Trust, Colin Perry, said: “The best, most rewarding aspect of being a governor is that it’s an important and valuable role and governors can have a real influence on the work of the Trust. It’s crucial that we act as the voice of the public in the meetings we attend, to ensure that their voice is heard.”

People who want to nominate themselves to become a governor must be at least 16 years old and a member of the Trust. Becoming a member is free and easy to do, and gives people the ability to vote in the election. Further information including a membership form can be accessed via the governor information page on the Trust website: www.bdct.nhs.uk/become-a-governor, or a paper copy can be requested by calling the membership office on 01274 363552.

Trust members will be able to nominate themselves for the election from 26 January until 12 February 2018. Candidates will need to complete a statement highlighting why they would like to become a governor and how they might contribute to the Trust. Voting will open on 29 February and close on 22 March. The newly-appointed governors will start their three-year term of office in May 2018, following an induction in April.

The Trust’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Paul Hogg, said: “The governor elections are an excellent opportunity for members of the public, whether they are currently using our services or not, to get involved in the Trust’s work. We deliver such a wide range of community and hospital services, from mental health to school nursing and district nursing, that the majority of people in the local area will come into contact with the Trust at some point in their lives. By becoming a governor, it ensures that the views of local people are actively heard at the highest level of the organisation.”

Prospective governors are welcome to attend one of two meetings which will outline the role and answer any questions people may have. These will take place on: Tuesday 23

January, 5:30pm to 7:30pm; and Wednesday 24 January, 12:30pm to 2:30pm. Both meetings will take place at New Mill, Victoria Road, Saltaire BD18 3LD. Anyone wishing to attend one of these events should register their attendance with the Membership office via email (ft@bdct.nhs.uk) or telephone (01274 363552).