Become a Trust governor

View the notice of poll for the latest governor elections, running during January 2024.

The Trust regularly invites its members to stand for election as a governor in constituencies throughout Derbyshire.

Being an NHS Foundation Trust (FT) means that control is put into the hands of staff, patients, service users, carers, partner organisations and the public.

These groups of people all have the opportunity to become members, and thereby influence decisions made by the Trust.

What do governors do?

Governors represent the interests and views of the Trust membership.

They have a very important role on the Council of Governors and undertake a range of functions through committees, engagement groups and quality visits.

Some of these responsibilities include:

Acting as an advisor to the Trust
Holding the Trust's non-executive directors to account
Providing an important link to the communities that the Trust serves
Ensuring that the Trust operates in a way that fits with its purpose and authorisation.

Interested in standing to become a governor?

Firstly you must be a member of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and be over the age of 16.

Download our membership leaflet for details on becoming a member of the Trust or use our online form.

Please then contact us if you are interested in standing to become a governor. We will send you a governor information pack.

What do existing governors say about the role?

Ogechi Eze is a public governor for Derby City West and says:

"I believe in sustaining the NHS and increasing its effectiveness in providing healthcare. I was elected this year and am really finding it an interesting role."

Jo Foster is a staff governor representing our nursing colleagues. Jo says: Jo Foster.jpg

"One of the reasons I stood again for a third term of office was I felt that there was more I wanted to achieve on behalf of my colleagues particularly after all we have endured and achieved during the pandemic. I still hold firmly the belief that the most important Trust value is putting our colleagues/staff at the centre of all we do, and that by doing so this can only in turn enhance the patient experience. I want to be a voice for my colleagues and make a difference and support them."

Selina Ullah is our Trust Chair. Selina says:

“I would like to encourage local people to stand in the public governor elections. It is really important that members of our local communities are represented on the Council of Governors so that their views and interests are heard. Governors bring a wealth of expertise and insight and, once the elections have taken place, and the results declared, I look forward to working with our newly elected governors.”