The Role of Governors in NHS Foundation Trusts

Neil Ashford, Karen O’Sullivan,

Gillian Oaker and Duncan Double;

Staff Governors, Norfolk & Waveney

Mental Health NHS Trust

NHS Foundation Trusts

Public institututions

NHS Foundation Trusts

Public institututions

But not subject to direction by Secretary of State

NHS Foundation Trusts

Public institututions

But not subject to direction by Secretary of State or Department of Health performance management requirements

NHS Foundation Trusts

Set own strategy within context of contracts with purchasers, especially primary care trusts

NHS Foundation Trusts

Set own strategy within context of contracts with purchasers, especially primary care trusts

Can borrow commercially, retain surpluses (but can also become insolvent) and invest to serve local needs

NHS Foundation Trusts

Authorised and monitored by Monitor - Independent Regulator of NHS Foundation Trusts

NHS Foundation Trusts

Authorised and monitored by Monitor - Independent Regulator of NHS Foundation Trusts

Accountable to local people, who can become members and governors

Board of Governors

Elected governors constituencies:

Board of Governors

Elected governors constituencies:

Public

Board of Governors

Elected governors constituencies:

Public

Users and carers

Board of Governors

Elected governors constituencies:

Public

Users and carers

Staff

Board of Governors

Elected governors constituencies:

Public

Users and carers

Staff

Appointed governors – partner organisations

Board of Governors

Elected governors constituencies:

Public

Users and carers

Staff

Appointed governors – partner organisations

Chair is also chair of Board of Directors

Governors’ statutory roles

These include

appointing, removing and deciding the terms of office of the chair and other non-executive directors, and approving the appointment of the chief executive;

Governors’ statutory roles

These include

appointing, removing and deciding the terms of office of the chair and other non-executive directors, and approving the appointment of the chief executive;

appointing and removing the auditor

Governors’ statutory roles

These include

reviewing the annual accounts, auditor’s report and annual report at a general meeting;  

Governors’ statutory roles

These include

reviewing the annual accounts, auditor’s report and annual report at a general meeting;  

expressing a view on the board’s forward plans for the NHS foundation trust.

Representing the constituency

Boards of governors are expected to focus on ensuring NHS foundation trusts respond to the needs and preferences of stakeholders, especially local communities