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The role of a governor

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Governors provide a vital link between the Trust and the communities that we serve.

They gather views from local people and to feedback that information back to the Trust.

They reflect the interests of the people they represent and work on their behalf to improve health services for the future.

They do not have any administrative powers in the hospital, but they have statutory responsibilities. These are set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2012.

They are also expected to follow the requirements of the Code of Governance published by Monitor, (the former independent regulator for foundation trusts, now NHS England/ Improvement).  The role in brief includes:

  • Appoint and (if required) remove the  chairman and non-executive directors
  • Hold non-executive directors to account individually and collectively for the performance of the Trust
  • Approve appointment of chief executive
  • Appoint and if required, remove the external auditor
  • Right to comment on major changes to services
  • Review performance information
  • Be consulted on forward planning
  • Represent the interests of members
  • Approve significant transactions
  • Request directors to attend meetings