NHS Trust seeks people with a passion for healthcare to be their community’s voice
Nominations close on 19 August for public elections to fill nine posts on the governing body of Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust.
Interested members of the public who live in the constituency areas in Derbyshire are invited to put themselves forward by the deadline.
The vacancies, which have arisen because the terms of offices of current post-holders are coming to an end, are in the following areas:
- Four in Amber Valley, Erewash and South Derbyshire
- Two in Derbyshire Dales and High Peak
- Two in Derby City
- One in Bolsover, Chesterfield & North Derbyshire.
Prospective governors can nominate themselves but they must first join the trust’s 17,000-strong membership, which is free and simple to do: www.dchs.nhs.uk/about-us/council-governors/become-member
Prem Singh, chairman of Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our Council of Governors represents the voice of local people in holding the organisation to account. All our governors bring different perspectives and experience to the role and collectively ensure we are working effectively in the interests of the communities we serve. Our governors add great value to the work we do and I hope people will seriously consider putting themselves forward for the role.”
There are no specific qualifications needed for becoming an NHS governor and training is given. The only requirements are:
- A keen interest in health care
- Time to attend meetings and get involved in events and training
- A willingness to work with others, listen and share ideas
- A desire to learn more about community health services.
After nominations close on 19 August 2022, the foundation trust’s membership will be balloted during September. The results of the elections, which are being independently run by UK Engage in accordance with the election rules, will be announced on 30 September 2022.
Members of the public with questions about becoming a governor, can contact membership and governance officer, Megan Wheeldon, or trust secretary, Melanie Curd on 07870 503648 (9am-5pm weekdays) or email megan.wheeldon@nhs.net or melanie.curd@nhs.net
Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust’s Council of Governors comprises 18 public governors, 10 staff members and three partner members, to hold the organisation to account and play a major role in deciding how it is run, such as:
- Representing the interests of the local community and being consulted on proposed changes to how community health services are delivered.
- Appointing the chair and other non-executive directors.
- Holding the board of directors to account for the Trust’s performance.
- Approving the appointment of the chief executive.
- More details about the role of NHS governors can be found on the Trust’s website at: www.dchs.nhs.uk/about-us/council-governors
