Council of Governors
Each NHS Foundation Trust has a Council of Governors, chaired by the Chairman of the NHS Foundation Trust and made up of representatives elected from the constituencies of members.
The purpose of the Council of Governors
The role of the Council is in three parts - advisory, guardianship and stewardship. It must work closely with the Board of Directors and represent the views of the wider stakeholders of the Trust including staff, partners and the local community in guiding the strategic development of the Trust’s services.
The responsibilities of Governors are to:
- Represent the interests of members, partner organisations and the wider community in being consulted, and advising the Board on the future strategic development of the Trust;
- Appoint future Non-Executive Directors including the Chairman of the trust;
- Approve the appointment of future Chief Executives;
- Agree remuneration of Non-Executive Directors;
- Appoint or remove auditors;
- Receive the annual report and accounts;
- And meet periodically throughout the year.
Size and membership of the Council of Governors
A balance will be sought between having a Council which is large enough to ensure a broad representation from members and those appointed by local partner organisations but which is small enough to be effective.
The number of public/patient governors will exceed the total of staff members and members appointed from partner organisations.
