The Trust wants the Council of Governors to reflect as far as possible the people we serve.

All Governors are expected to demonstrate a real and enduring interest in the future planning and success of the Trust through active engagement.  They are required to uphold NHS values and principles and act in accordance with the Trust's Code of Conduct for Governors  They must act with integrity and demonstrate high ethical standards in their decision-making and behaviour.  They listen sensitively to the views of others and seek to represent their constituency whenever possible.  Ideally they will have strong analytical skills, sound judgement, strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to challenge, question and probe, although the Trust recognises these skills can be developed over time and as confidence is built.

All Governors are able to express opinions, prioritise and gain the trust and respect of fellow Governors and Directors.

In terms of knowledge, all Governors are expected to have or to develop a good understanding of their corporate responsibilities, the NHS Foundation Trust and the environment in which it operates both locally and nationally. They will therefore be expected to respond positively to development and training opportunities and seek to continually update their knowledge and skills to ensure their contribution to the Council of Governors remains informed and relevant.

There are 40 Governors on the Council of Governors:  22 Public Governors, 7 staff Governors and 11 Nominated Governors, which include:

• Primary Care Trusts (3)
• Newcastle City Council (1)
• Universities (2)
• North East Assembly (1)
• North East Chamber of Commerce (1)
• Pentagon Partnership (1)
• Patient and Public Involvement Forum for the Trust (1)
• Community Advisory Panel (1)

A Governor is expected to attend at least four Council of Governors meetings per year, including the Annual General Meeting.  Time will also be required to read papers provided for each meeting and to deal with queries from the constituency they represent.

It is not expected to be more than 1 or 2 days per month.  

Governors are not allowed to receive remuneration; however out of pocket expenses such as travel expenses are covered. The level of expenses is consistent with that paid for members of the public who are involved in Trust activities.

Support is provided by the Trust in terms of general responsibilities and development of individual Governors.  Each Governor is required to attend a mandatory learning and development session which covers information on the Trust, the remit and role of a Governor, meeting procedures and other areas that have been identified through our initial conversations with the Council of Governors in its "shadow" period.

The Trust will endeavour to ensure that any Governor with individual needs is given the help they need to participate fully in the work of the Council of Governors.

Governors can be removed from the Council of Governors if they:

• fail to attend at least half of the meetings in any financial year or are absent from 3 consecutive meetings unless through reasonable causes
• if in the opinion of the Council of Governors they are unfit to discharge the functions of a Governor.

A person may not continue as a Governor if they cease to be a member of the constituency they represent or if any of the Exclusion and Disqualification Criteria for Governors  become applicable to the individual.