Council of Governors

Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is managed by a Board of Directors comprising four Executive Directors, the Chief Executive, five Non Executive Directors and the Chairman. The Board works closely with a Council of Governors comprising fourteen elected public Governors, four elected staff Governors and a further nine Governors appointed by stakeholder organisations.

The Council of Governors plays a key role in ensuring that the Trust conducts itself in a way that is consistent with the needs of the communities it serves, its stated aims, goals and the terms and conditions under which the Trust operates.

The Trust has an established Council of Governors representing a broad geographical area and skill mix, made up of local people, staff and representatives from partner organisations. There is close co-operation between the directors of the Trust and the Governors to allow Directors to appreciate the views of Governors and members. In particular, Directors routinely attend the meetings of the Council of Governors and this provides the opportunity for governors to discuss any areas of concern. In addition, all sub Committees of the Council of Governors have at least one Non-Executive director member whose remit includes informing the board of the discussions which have taken place and the decisions made.

The Chairman of the Trust chairs both the Board of Directors and the Council of Governors and is supported by the Head of Corporate Affairs acting as the Trust's Company Secretary. Governors have an important governance role in representing patients and the local community, staff and stakeholder organisations, including PCTs, local authorities, GPs and volunteers.

Governors are responsible for appointing:

• the Chairman
• Non Executive Directors

deciding their remuneration and for making sure that the Trust is growing a representative membership.

The Governors are an essential link between the management of the Trust and the local community and have a statutory right to have their views sought when the Board is preparing the Trust's forward plans.

Meeting Dates 2011/2012 - Council of Governors

9th February 2011 - 5.30pm - Agenda Papers
11th May 2011 - 5.30pm Agenda and Papers
14th September 2011 - 5.00pm Agenda and Papers
7th December 2011 - 5.00pm Agenda and Papers
8th February 2012 - 5.00pm Agenda and Papers

All meetings to be held in the Dining Hall of the Postgraduate Medical Centre, Wexham Park Hospital.

Links to Related Pages and Documents

Council of Governors Objectives
Register of Governors
Register of Interests of Governors
Governor Committees' Membership - 2007

Election Information

Notice of Election Feb 2012.pdf (83.15 KB)
Election report - October 2011
Uncontested Bracknell Forest election report - October 2011
Statement of Candidates - September 2011.doc (405 KB)
Notice of Election August 2011.doc (31.5 KB
Timetable for South Buckinghamshire Constituency Governor Elections Oct-Nov 2010
Elections 2010 - outcome of nominations for public and staff seats
Election Process Sept 2010
Election Process 2010: Statement of Candidates
Statement of Candidates - Elections to the Council of Governors (September 2008) (85.36 KB)
Notice of Poll - Public Seats, Bracknell Forest and South Bucks (September/October 2008) (16KB)
Notice of Poll - Public Seats (Outer Catchment Area) and Staff Seats (October/November 2008) (25.57 KB)

Become a member

You can make a difference
Help us to continually improve your NHS Foundation Trust

Foundation Trust Membership - You can choose to receive newsletters, or become an active member.
The choice is yours.

Membership is important because

• If you live within the catchment area of the Trust you can register as a Member and have your say about the delivery and planning of Trust services.
• Receive regular newsletters and reports about various aspects of the work of the Foundation Trust and be consulted about future major plans.
• Take part in opinion surveys about the Trust or come along to open days or member events.
• Have the right to stand for election to the Council of Governors.
• Have the right to elect representatives to the Council of Governors.
• Attend the Annual Members Meeting and meet with the Board of Directors and Council of Governors

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Trust please contact the Trust's Membership Officer on (01753) 633566, or fill out this printable form:

FoundationTrustMembershipFormJune2011.doc (81.5 KB)

Information for members

Membership Strategy (129.35 KB)

If you are interested in standing for election as a governor, please contact the Corporate Affairs office on (01753) 633566, or Email us at foundation.trust@hwph-tr.nhs.uk with your views.