Introduction to Foundation Trusts
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundaton Trust was authorised as NHS Foundation Trust on 1st July 2008. We believe that becoming a Foundation Trust will help us achieve our vision for the future via the following freedoms:
- Greater accountability to local population and staff through the Council of Governors.
- Strengthening internal processes and systems – our governance and assurance systems – to meet the challenges of modern health services.
- Building on and improving positive relationships with service users, carers, staff, partners and local people through the development of greater engagement through FT membership bases.
- Enhancing the development and delivery of specialist services to local populations.
- Opportunities to enter joint ventures with new strategic business partners and explore potential new markets to grow specialist services outside the Trust area.
- Improve our ability to respond effectively to market opportunities.
How we will use Foundation Trust freedoms:
- Establishment of Council of Governors – enhancing local accountability enabling our key stakeholders to work together as one body and have greater influence on the organisation.
- Development of robust governance framework and planning and performance processes based on risk management.
- Development of membership base with maximum public membership.
- Freedom to innovate and develop services tailored to the needs of service users and local communities.
- Maximise partnering opportunities to improve service provision across care pathways.
- Ability to retain any surplus money at the end of the year to reinvest in services and the ability to borrow money to develop services if appropriate as part of financial strategy.