Nominations to become a governor for Cumbria Partnership NHS foundation Trust (CPFT) are now open (Thursday 18th October 2018).
The Trust is looking for individuals to become involved and nominate themselves to become Governors on Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Governors Council. This is a great opportunity to have a say in what is happening in local communities and to feedback views directly to the Board of Directors.
It is a very exciting time to join CPFT as a Governor, particularly as the Trust is now looking at options to formally join together with North Cumbria University Hopsitals NHS Trust. The Trust is also continuing work with other partners in Cumbria through integrating the counties health and care services.
Keith Amey, Governor at CPFT talks about his role: “As a governor, you are effectively the link between the Trust’s members, the wider public and the Board of Directors.
“I have benefited tremendously from being a governor, it gives me an opportunity to know what is happening in the healthcare world both nationally and locally, I am able to voice local people’s views, correct some of the urban myths floating around, help shape services and strive towards getting the best healthcare for Cumbrians. Where else would I have ready access to the directors and decision makers?
“As governors, we are always endeavouring to encourage members of the public to apply to join us, so that they too may bring their personal knowledge and skills to bear on our health service. More governors from the lower and middle age groups would be a massive benefit, as would people who are willing to help me improve communication and engagement between the local people and health care providers.”
Robin Talbot, Chair of CPFT explained: “Governors are a really important part of a Foundation Trust and play a vital role in helping to shape and monitor the Trust’s services. Governor’s bring valuable insights and experiences to our services and ensure that the NHS is accountable to its local population.
“As a Governor you take part in a number of meetings including, Annual Meetings, Governors Council Meetings and Subcommittees/Interest Groups of the Governor’s Council. In addition, you will be invited to take part in visits to our services alongside Non-Executive Directors. Very importantly, you appoint the Chair and Non-Executive Directors and hold them to account for the performance of the Board of Directors. You also represent the interests and views of our 11,000 members and of the public.”
Keith adds: “We are looking for enthusiastic people to nominate themselves as a candidate in the elections. If you wish to nominate yourself, you’ll then be asked to write a short piece about what you are passionate about and what skills you can bring. The voting then begins!”
Those interested in nominating themselves can do so through UK Engage by visiting nom.ukevote.uk/cumbria or by emailing: [email protected] or calling 0345 209 3770 for a nomination form.
The role includes:
- Represent the interests of the members of the Trust as a whole and the interests of the public
- Hold the Non-Executive Directors to account for the performance of the Board of Directors
- Appoint, remove and decide the terms of office, including remuneration, of the Chair and other Non-Executive Directors
- Appoint or remove the Trust’s External Auditors
- Review the annual accounts, auditor’s report and annual report
- Express a view on the Board of Directors’ forward plans
The deadline for receipt of nominations is Monday 5th November 2018. Once the nomination deadline closes, all nominations will be reviewed and if there are multiple nominees per constituency a ballot pack will be sent to out Trust members who will then vote. Voting closes on 13th December. An announcement of the elected governors will then be made.
All Governors are volunteers; however travel expenses will be reimbursed.
