Become a Trust governor

Becoming a governor

governors laughing The Trust regularly invites its members to stand for election as a governor in constituencies throughout Derbyshire.

Being an NHS Foundation Trust (FT) means that control is put into the hands of staff, patients, service users, carers, partner organisations and the public.

These groups of people all have the opportunity to become members, and thereby influence decisions made by the Trust.

What do governors do?

Governors represent the interests and views of the Trust membership. governors chatting

They have a very important role on the Council of Governors and undertake a range of functions through committees, engagement groups and quality visits.

Some of these responsibilities include:

Acting as an advisor to the Trust
Holding the Trust's non-executive directors to account
Providing an important link to the communities that the Trust serves
Ensuring that the Trust operates in a way that fits with its purpose and authorisation.

If you are interested in standing to become a governor...

Firstly you must be a member of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and be over the age of 16.

Download our membership leaflet for details on becoming a member of the Trust or use our online form.

Please then contact us if you are interested in standing to become a governor. We will send you a governor information pack.

What do existing governors say about the role?

Lynda Langley is the Lead Governor for Derbyshire Healthcare and current governor for Chesterfield.

Lynda says:

“Being a governor is a great opportunity to get involved in influencing the Trust’s services now and in the future. I am very proud to have been able to represent members’ interests and work on their behalf; you improve services by providing an important link between local communities and the Trust.”

Selina Ullah is our Trust Chair. Selina says:

“I would like to encourage local people to stand in the public governor elections. It is really important that members of our local communities are represented on the Council of Governors so that their views and interests are heard. Governors bring a wealth of expertise and insight and, once the elections have taken place, and the results declared, I look forward to working with our newly elected governors.”