Nominations for Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust’s (HDFT) governor elections have opened, providing the opportunity for members of the public to help shape the future of NHS services run by the Trust.
The Trust are seeking nominations from members of the public who are interested in representing three constituencies in Harrogate & Surrounding Villages; Wetherby & Harewood, Alwoodley, Adel & Wharfedale, and Otley and Yeadon; and Ripon & West District.
Currently, the Council of Governors comprises 26 governors, consisting of 14 public members, six staff classes, and six partner/stakeholder organisations, such as North Yorkshire Council.
Governors provide a vital link between the public, staff and partner organisations, representing the views and interests of local people and making sure they are considered by HDFT’s Board of Directors.
To be eligible to stand in the elections, nominees need to be over 16, reside in the constituency they wish to represent and be a member of the Trust. It is free to join and an application form is available on the Trust’s website at https://www.hdft.nhs.uk/about/membership/, from the Foundation Trust Office on 01423 554432 or by emailing [email protected]
HDFT provides acute and community service for Harrogate and North Yorkshire from Harrogate District Hospital and Ripon Community Hospital, and through its Community Services Team. The Trust also operates Children’s Public Health (0-19) Services for nine local authorities in the North East and Yorkshire, and is the largest provider of 0-19 services in England, looking after over 500,000 children.
Sarah Armstrong Chair of HDFT said: “Our governors play an essential role, providing a bridge between our members, our community and our Board. They help shape our Trust’s future direction and the services we provide.
“Governors serve a term of three years and have key responsibilities including liaising with the Board of Directors and collectively holding them to account for the performance of the Trust. They are involved in the appointment of the Non-Executive Directors on the Board of Directors, and helping us to develop our membership.
“They are also responsible for regularly feeding back information about our Trust, its vision and its performance to the constituencies and stakeholder organisations that elected and/or nominated them.
“HDFT is committed to providing the best possible healthcare service for our community and we have a number of exciting projects over the next few years which will help us to further improve on the service we offer. It is an exciting time for our Trust and we would love to hear from anyone interested in becoming a governor.”
Anyone interested in standing can obtain more information and a nomination form by visiting www.cesvotes.com/hdft2023, calling 0208 889 9203 or emailing [email protected].
Further details can also be found at www.hdft.nhs.uk/about/council-of-governors/governor-elections/
Nominations close at 5pm on Monday 5 June.
Elections will open on Friday 23 June when voting packs will be dispatched to members. The final day of voting will be Thursday 13 July with declaration of results taking place on Friday 14 July.