About Us
Council of Governors
FREEPHONE (0800) 0150136 - Foundation Office
The Council of Governors is the governing body for the Trust and operated in shadow form from 1st April 2005 to 31st May 2006, going "live" from 1st June 2006. Its role is to make sure that the Trust is a success. To do this it is responsible for appointing the Chairman and Non Executive Directors on the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has responsibility for the day to day management of the Trust. The Council of Governors has a major role in advising on the future of the Trust’s services, making sure that they meet the needs of local people.
Public Governor Elections Results
The results of the Public Governor Elections Elections held in May 2009 are now available for both the Newcastle upon Tyne and Northumberland Tyne & Wear constituencies. Click on the link below.
May 2009 Election Results
What kind of people may become Governors?Show [+]Hide [-]
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.
How many Governors are there on the Council of Governors?Show [+]Hide [-]
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)
How much time would I have to spend as a Governor?Show [+]Hide [-]
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.
Would I get paid as a Governor?Show [+]Hide [-]
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.
What support and training would I get as a Governor?Show [+]Hide [-]
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.
What if I have individual needs and will have difficulties at meetings?Show [+]Hide [-]
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.
Could I be removed from the Council of Governors?Show [+]Hide [-]
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.
Who are the Governors on the Council of Governors?Show [+]Hide [-]
|
Constituency 1 |
Elected Public Governors |
|
Newcastle upon Tyne |
Dr Jenny Court |
|
Constituency 2 |
Elected Public Governors |
|
Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Strategic Health Authority area (excluding Newcastle) |
Professor Fenwick Arthur |
|
Constituency 3 |
Elected Public Governors |
|
County Durham & Tees Valley Strategic Health Authority area and Cumbria & Lancashire Strategic Health Authority area and beyond |
Mr John Bedlington |
|
Elected Staff Governors |
|
Medical and Dental |
Mr Andy Welch |
|
Nursing and Midwifery |
Mrs Bernadette Crittenden |
|
Health Professions Council |
Dr Malcolm Holliday |
|
Administrative & Clerical, Management and Hospital Chaplains |
Mr Peter Brigham |
|
Ancillary and Estates |
(one vacancy) |
|
Volunteers |
(one vacancy) |
|
Appointed Governors |
|
|
Newcastle Primary Care Trust (PCT) |
Ms Gina Tiller, Chair |
|
PCTs within Northumberland, Tyne & Wear SHA other than Newcastle PCT |
Dr Mike Prentice, Chair of Professional Executive Committee, Gateshead PCT |
|
PCTs within County Durham and Tees Valley/Cumbria and Lancashire SHA |
Mrs Pat Taylor, Co Durham & Darlington PCT |
|
Newcastle City Council |
Councillor Liz Langfield |
|
University of Newcastle upon Tyne |
Professor Alistair Burt, Dean of Clinical Medicine |
|
University of Northumbria at Newcastle |
Professor Andrew Wathy |
|
Trust Community Advisory Panel |
Mr Syd Atkinson |
|
North East Assembly |
Mr Peter Briggs |
|
Pentagon Partnership (community and voluntary sector) |
Mr Raymond Venus |
