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The RD&E Council of Governors
Working alongside the Trust's Board of Directors, the RD&E's Council of Governors collectively hold the Directors to account and ensure that the interests of the Trust's members are taken into account. RD&E Governors have shown great commitment in representing the views of local people and helping the RD&E to shape its plans for the future.
This means discussing things like major new service developments, the annual report and accounts, and how members are being recruited and kept informed. They are also responsible for the appointment and remuneration of the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors of the Trust.
Governors also meet with people in their local community or staff group, to help report back on what happens at Council of Governor meetings, and to listen to ideas and opinions from members of the public and staff.
Our Governors are elected by staff and the public, or nominated by some of our partner organisations, like the primary care trust. There are 31 Governors in total.
The Fundamental Review of Governors
Having become a Foundation Trust with a Council of Governors in April 2004, the RD&E decided in 2009 to re-evaluate the role of the Governor and undertook a year long review, led by the Governors themselves. The Fundamental Review of Governors final report was published in July 2010 and gives Governors and members alike a much clearer picture of the role.
The Fundamental Review has allowed the Governors to develop a clearer Business Plan and an action plan for the year ahead. The Fundamental Review Report, the Business Plan and Action Plan for 2011 can be found below:
The Fundamental Review of Governors Final Report
Council of Governors Business Plan and Action Plan 2011
I'm interested in being a Governor - what sort of person are you looking for?
You don't need any special skills or qualifications to be a Governor.
The most important thing you need is enthusiasm, and the willingness to represent not just your own views, but also the views of the people in your community, or staff group.
You also need to have the time to attend various meetings, about ten to twelve a year.
If you have some understanding of the NHS or the RD&E that's great, but not essential. There will be training, and there will always be people on hand to offer advice and support.
Elections to the Council of Governors will take place in spring each year, and governors will generally serve a three-year term of office, beginning and ending in September at the time of the Annual Members' Meeting.
If you are interested in becoming a governor in the future please contact the NHSFT office.
How often do the Governors meet?
The Council of Governors meets four times a year, in April, July, October and January.
Governors will be expected to attend some training events, so that they are up to date with what is happening in the NHS, and can learn more about their role.
What do I have to do if I want to be a Governor?
First, you have to be a member!
Before elections in the spring of each year nomination forms will be available for anyone who wants to put themselves forward for election.
Once you have filled in a form you need to get two other members from the same constituency to sign up as your supporters.
On the nomination form you will need to give some information about yourself and why you think you would be good at being a Governor.
You will need to sign up to a Code of Conduct for Governors, agreeing to work to a sensible set of principles, like actively supporting the NHS Foundation Trust.
The information that is received about all the candidates will be put together and sent to members with a ballot paper. Members will then vote for the candidate they choose. If only one candidate comes forward there will be no need for a vote.
See our elections page more details on this year's round of elections.
Introduction