As a Foundation Trust, we are held to account by our members who, acting through our Council of Governors, offer constructive challenge to the non-executive directors on important issues which matter to our members.

The Council of Governors consists of elected and nominated governors who provide an important link between the Trust, local people and key stakeholder organisations by sharing information and views that can be used to develop and improve patient services.

All Foundation Trusts are required to have a Council of Governors, which carries out a range of legal functions on behalf of the members of the Trust including:

  • Appointing the Chair
  • Appointing the Non-Executive Directors
  • Appointing the Auditors
  • Being involved in the setting the plans for the Trust
  • Holding an Annual Members' Meeting
  • Approving the Trust's Constitution
  • Holding the Non-Executive Directors individually and collectively, to account for the performance of the Board of Directors
  • Approving the appointment of the Chief Executive
  • Representing members' interests and bringing these to bear on strategy decisions
  • Approving significant transactions
  • Providing input into the development of the annual plan
  • Receiving the annual report and accounts and the auditor's opinion on them

To become a Governor, you need to be at least 18 or over and registered as a Member. You will then need to stand for election representing the constituency you live in.

Council of Governors

The Council represents the interests of the Trust's members and the partner organisations with whom we work locally.

The Council is responsible for holding the Non-Executive Directors to account for the Trust's Board of Directors' stewardship of the organisation.