Membership and our council of governors

There are a number of specific duties that the governors must do, but in summary governors must:

• Hold the non-executive directors to account for the performance of the Board
• Appoint the Trust Chair and the Non-executive Directors
• Represent the views of members and the public
• Tell members what the Trust is doing

Governors must make sure the Board of Directors and the non-executive directors are doing their job properly by looking at reports on the Trust’s finances and how they are performing against healthcare targets and standards.

Governors need to meet and communicate with members and the public and regularly feedback information about the Trust.

Governors also help promote membership and encourage local people to join as members. Governors act as ambassadors and promote the work of the Trust.

Governors will have a strong commitment to the role and be willing to undertake training relevant to it. No special qualifications are required but you must:

• Be over the age of 16
• Have an interest in healthcare in hospitals
• Be willing to act in the best interests of the Trust, abide by the values of the Trust and the Nolan principles of public life
• Have good interpersonal skills as you will need to talk to others

All types of people can become governors, with the exception of anyone disqualified for a number of reasons including bankruptcy or recent criminal convictions (read about disqualification in the document linked below).

Enthusiasm, commitment and a general interest in health and team work are important qualities.

Governors have to be able to challenge the non-executive directors and some of the executive directors to ensure they are doing their job properly so it could be useful to have some skills you may have developed at work, as a volunteer or in your personal life, such as reading reports and working with others.

Governors are elected by the members, so it is up to them who is ultimately chosen as their governor representative

Membership is free and you can become as involved as you wish

If you are 12 years of age or older and live anywhere in the UK, you are welcome to apply for membership.  It is vital to our success as an NHS Foundation Trust that our members reflect the diversity of our local population.

Through the Governors that you elect and through direct engagement with the trust, your voice will be heard.

You will be kept up to date on news and developments within Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, covering all of our hospital sites and sent our Governors2Members magazine.

You will also be consulted on future plans and services and be notified the next time we hold an election for Governors of the Council of Governors.

As a member, you will be able to attend the quarterly Council of Governors Meetings and the Annual Members’ Meeting.

This is your opportunity to get involved with issues that affect you.

Benefits and Discounts for Members

The NHS Discounts website offers all Foundation Trust members on-line discount to many major high street stores including Virgin Holidays, The Body Shop, Apple, Butlins, Red Letter Days and many more.  Full details will arrive with your Membership Welcome pack.

Questions

We would be happy to answer any questions you have about becoming a member.  Please contact us by emailing mse.members@nhs.net.