The Council of Governors is made up of elected and appointed governors. Governors are volunteers and are not paid.
Governors are elected by distinct constituencies:
- Staff Constituency – governors are elected by trust staff.
- Service User and Carer Constituency – governors are elected by patients/service users and/or their carers.
- Public Constituency – governors are elected by members of the public who have an interest in the trust.
- Appointed Constituency – represent stakeholder organisations such as the local council or local charities.
Our Governors play an integral role in the running of our trust. We currently have 21 governors that represent service users, carers, public, staff and stakeholders.
The roles and responsibilities of the Council of Governors, to be undertaken in accordance with the trust’s constitution, are:
- To appoint and remove the chair and other non-executive directors of the foundation trust at a general meeting
- To approve at a general meeting the appointment by the non-executive directors of the chief executive
- To appoint or remove the auditor at a general meeting
- To be consulted by the trust’s board of directors on forward planning and to have the board of governors’ views taken into account
- To be presented with the trust’s annual report and accounts and the report of the auditor on the accounts at a general meeting
Meet Our Lead and Deputy Lead Governor
David Slatter
Lead Governor
Chris Barber
Deputy Lead Governor
As Lead and Deputy Lead Governors, we recognise the Council of Governors as a cornerstone of effective governance within the NHS. The Council plays a vital role in representing the interests of the public, patients, and staff, ensuring that the voice of our communities is heard at the highest levels of decision-making. Through its statutory duties, the Council provides robust oversight, holds the Board of Directors to account, and supports the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care.
The Council of Governors acts as a bridge between the organisation and its stakeholders, facilitating transparent dialogue and promoting accountability. By engaging with members and the wider public, governors help shape the strategic direction of the Trust, influence key appointments, and contribute to decisions that impact the future of healthcare provision. Their collective expertise and insight are invaluable in guiding the Trust towards continuous improvement and excellence.
We firmly believe that a strong, active, and well-informed Council of Governors is essential to safeguarding the values of the NHS, upholding its founding principles, and ensuring that our services remain responsive, inclusive, and sustainable. As governors, we are committed to championing the interests of those we serve, fostering collaborative relationships, and driving positive change across our organisation.
