9 May 2023
Governors play an important role in understanding and championing the needs of patients, families, carers and staff, helping to ensure services meet the needs of local people. They hold the board to account for the performance of the trust.
Governors have the opportunity to question and challenge the trust, offering different perspectives and representing the views of local communities.
David Jennings, Chairman of the Trust, said “Our governors perform a vital role in the way we run the trust, in helping shape services and priorities, and in holding me and the Board to account for the delivery of the Trust’s plans. They are the essential link between the Board, our members, and the communities we serve.
“Being a governor is a rewarding role. We’re looking for people who care passionately about their local area and who will work in a collaborative and constructive way to grow, develop and improve our services. We welcome insights and ideas from people’s own experiences that will help us to achieve real change. We want your advice, your support and your challenge. We have recently involved Governors in a task & finish group about a key service area within the Trust, and are about to begin a further task & finish group to explore Governors collective views about how they undertake their role in a changing NHS.
“Our Trust has significant challenges to deal with, and we are determined to deal with them. We feel we have made a good start on this, but Governors are key to ensuring we live by our commitments.
“We’re keen to ensure our governing body is fully representative of our local communities and would therefore particularly welcome interest from groups that are currently under-represented – including, but not confined to, BAME communities. Please get in touch if you are interested – we would love to hear from you.
“We can promise you a role where you can make a real difference within a vital public service. I look forward to working with you on Our Journey to Change.”
“If you are interested and want more information please get in touch with the Company Secretary’s office, who will be happy to help you and point you in the right direction.”
Whatever your background or experience, as long as you are a member of the trust, aged 16 years or over and live in the area the vacancy is in, you can apply for a position on its council of governors.
Meeting at least four times each year, the council of governors’ work includes developing the membership of the trust, appointing non-executive directors, including the chairman, and considering the trust’s annual accounts.
Governors are expected to attend at least two council of governor meetings each year and will have the opportunity to get involved in a variety of different streams of work. Support and training is available, travel and out of pocket expenses will be paid.
Nominations are now open and will close at 5pm on Friday 12 May.
To find out how you can get involved please visit https://www.tewv.nhs.uk/about-us/governors/elections/
