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Foundation trust
Council of governors
Foundation trusts are governed by a council of governors, who are elected from and by their membership.
Foundation trusts are governed by a council of governors, who are elected from and by their membership.
St George’s Healthcare currently has a board of directors but, as a foundation trust (FT), it will also need an elected council of governors to represent the views of the membership.
The trust chair will chair the board of directors as well as the council of governors serving as an important link between both.
The council of governors will:
- Advise the board of directors on strategic plans and service developments
- Appoint the chair and non-executive directors
- Appoint the trust’s auditors Chair
The board of directors
The board of directors is legally accountable for the management of the foundation trust and is responsible for the day-to-day running of the organisation. The board will be made up of executive and non executive-directors. We see the council of governors as a major benefit of foundation trust status and we are committed to developing ways for the board and council to work together.
The board of directors
- Will be responsible for the day-to-day management and strategic development of the foundation trust
- Are collectively responsible for the exercise and performance of the trust
- Are accountable to the foundation trust via the council of governors
- Consists of executive and non-executive directors
Role of a governor
Governors are either elected by the public, patients and staff or nominated by one of the partner organisations, such as a primary care trust.
The 33 governors will attend meetings of the council of governors and advise on strategic issues such as the development of new healthcare services. Governors also have an important role in liaising with the wider membership and ensuring their views are reflected at meetings.
Experience required
You don't need any special experience or qualifications to be a governor. You do need to be enthusiastic and willing to represent not just your own views, but also the views of the people in your community or staff group.
Elections to the council of governors will take place annually and governors will generally hold office for a period of two or three years after which time they will be eligible for re-election or re-appointment.
Becoming a governor
First, you have to be a member. Before elections nomination forms will be available for anyone who wants to put themselves forward for election.
Once you have filled in a form you will need to get two other members from the same constituency to sign up as your supporters.
On the nomination form you will need to provide information about yourself and why you think you would be a good governor. This information will be sent to members with a ballot paper as part of the voting process.
| Council of governors - 33 | |
|---|---|
| 24 Elected governors | 9 Nominated governors |
| Public governors (19) | Education (2) |
| Wandsworth 7 | St George's, University of London 1 |
| Merton 5 | Kingston University1 |
| Lambeth 2 | |
| All other 5 | Partnerships(3) |
| Wandsworth Link 1 | |
| Staff governors(5) | Merton Link1 |
| Medical and dental1 | Tooting Town Centre Partnership1 |
| Nursing and midwifery 2 | |
| Allied health professionals and other technical and clinical staff1 | Strategic partners(2) |
| Admin, non-clinical staff, volunteers and staff employed by major contractors1 | NHS Wandsworth1 |
| NHS Sutton & Merton1 | |
| Local authority(2) | |
| LB Wandsworth1 | |
| LB Merton1 | |