The search is on for new governors for the local NHS Trust

York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is looking to recruit new governors to help influence the future of its health services.

A great opportunity has arisen to become the ‘voice’ of local people as a governor for the City of York, Ryedale and East Yorkshire, Selby, Bridlington and Hambleton areas. This special role will help set the direction for the future of health services.

Governors play a critical role and provide an important link between the trust and the community; helping the trust to gather views from local people and feeding back to them what is happening.

The Council of Governors meets four times a year in public and is chaired by the Chair of the Trust, Susan Symington.  Responsibilities include providing support and advice to ensure that the trust delivers services that best meet the needs of patients and the communities and provides high quality, effective and patient-focused services.  The position requires some time and commitment, an interest in the NHS and the key issues facing the trust.

The Council of Governors consists of 16 public governors and five staff governors, who have all been elected by the membership of their constituencies.  It also includes nominated representatives from North Yorkshire County Council, University of York and other partnership organisations.

Margaret Jackson, Lead Governor at the Trust, said:  “The role of the governor, which is voluntary, is an opportunity to give patients and carers a voice to inform providers in service planning and review.  The role is key to promoting effective dialogue between the trust and the local communities we serve.”

If you are aged over 16 years old, live within the constituencies of the City of York, Ryedale and East Yorkshire, Selby, Bridlington and Hambleton areas and are a member of the trust, you are eligible to apply for one of the seven vacant posts. If you would like to influence your local health services, the trust would be keen to hear from you.

An election is being held to appoint new governors.  Nominations close 5pm on Thursday 8 August 2019.

Susan Symington, Chair, York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said:  “Anyone can stand for election - all you need is a real interest in the trust and a little spare time to help influence the continued development of our important local services.

“If you are not already a member you can join as a member for free on our website www.york.nhs.uk/membership or call 01904 725076 to request a membership form.”

The elections, which are run by the Electoral Reform Services, will be a secret postal ballot and voting packs will be sent out to members on Monday 2 September.  Members can only vote for governors who represent their constituency.

Governors are appointed for a three year term, but subject to reappointment at the end of each term, can serve a maximum of nine years.

For more information about becoming a member or governor please contact Tracy Astley by emailing tracy.astley@york.nhs.uk

15 July 2019

 A nomination form can be obtained from the Returning Officer by calling 0208 889 9203 or emailing
ftnominationenquiries@electoralreform.co.uk