Council of Governors

Council of Governors

Our Council of Governors has 31 elected and nominated Governors. 17 of these Governors are elected by the public, six by our staff and eight are nominated from our partner organisations including two youth governors.

The Chairman of our Board of Directors, Mr Peter Mount, also presides over the Council of Governors, which meets  three times a year, in public.

What does the role of Governor involve?

The Council of Governors is responsible for supporting our Trust's performance in the following ways:

• Representing the views of members, patients, carers, the public, stakeholders and staff to our Board of Directors
• Assisting our Trust's development as an effective social organisation
• Developing networks for engaging the wider community, including minority groups, in our activities, plans and services.

Governors also have a number of statutory duties, set out within the Foundation Trust's constitution, including:

• Appointing/removing our Chairman and Non-Executive Directors
• Determining the pay and terms of office of our Chairman and Non-Executive Directors
• Approving the appointment of our Chief Executive
• Safeguarding probity and good quality healthcare
• Receiving our annual report and accounts
• Appointing/removing our auditor
• Ensuring we operate in accordance with our legal framework.

The Governors are responsible for representing the interests and views of members, monitoring the performance of the Trust and its senior management team and ensuring high standards are maintained.

Governors receive training for their role, and are supported by our FT Membership Office in representing and communicating with their constituents. One of our Governors also mentors our two Youth Governors.

Governors are unpaid but can claim expenses, such as travel, incurred while carrying out their duties. They carry out these duties and responsibilities under the guidance of the Chairman, who is the link between the Council of Governors and the Trust's Board of Directors.

Full details on Governors' and Members' eligibility/exclusions can be found in our Constitution:

Please click here to see the Constitution

How do I become a Governor?

If you are interested in standing for election as a Public or Staff Governor, please contact our FT Membership Office. They will be able to give you details of when the next Governor elections will be held, and the process for standing as a candidate. Elections take place from June each year. You do need to be a member of the Foundation Trust before you can stand for election. Governors have to meet certain criteria.

Governor Role Information Pack

The Trust is keen to represent all areas of the community on the Council of Governors, and welcomes interest from anyone within the various constituencies. You do not need specific qualifications for the role, other than an interest in healthcare and a commitment to representing your constituents to the best of your ability. A comprehensive induction programme and ongoing training are provided for Governors once they have been elected .