People in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bath and North East Somerset (BaNES), Swindon and Wiltshire are being invited to shape NHS care locally by becoming an NHS Foundation Trust Governor.

Foundation Trust Governors are local people who have an interest in and care about improving their local health services for the good of the whole community.

Oxford Health Lead Governor Anna Gardner shares why she thinks becoming a Governor is so rewarding

Recently appointed Lead Governor Anna Gardner is an empathic, driven, resilient, positive, and passionate individual and for her, it’s all about having a clear sense of purpose and meaning. When Anna believes that her efforts are contributing in some positive way, no matter how small, to a larger purpose she feels energised and motivated to do her best. This applies equally to all aspects of her life.

Anna said: “If staff are the beating heart of the Trust, Governors are its eyes and ears. We must work collaboratively to make sure that Trust services are caring, safe and excellent for patients, relatives and carers. So please stand for election. As the saying goes ‘you’ve got to be in it to win it!’

“As Lead Governor, my priority for the next 12 months is to help increase Trust membership and Governor engagement. To facilitate Governor engagement, we have reactivated Council of Governor sub-groups which will serve as the primary conduit for Governors to represent their constituents and hold non-executive directors to account.”

Council of Governor elections

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust’s Council of Governors elections opened on Thursday 29 February and close at 5pm on Thursday 28 March. There are 18 seats to go for.

The Trust operates mental health hospitals and community mental health services in Buckinghamshire plus community hospitals and community services including minor injury units, the out of hours GP service, district nursing, school nursing and health visiting in Oxfordshire.

If you have an interest in health, and care about improving the local health services – nominate yourself for one of Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust’s Council of Governors.

Visit the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust Governor election website.

 Where are the vacancies?

Visit the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust Governor election website.

Become a member of the Trust

In order to stand as a candidate or vote in the governor elections you must be a member of Oxford Health. If you aren’t yet, sign up now. Website: Membership sign up.

Membership is free and anyone over 12 years old, living in England or Wales, is welcome to join. You have no obligations as a member but there are lots of ways to get involved.

In order to take part in this year’s governor election you must have signed up by 5pm on Thursday 28 March, when the nominations close. This is set by the Trust’s constitution. So don’t delay. Sign up today. Website: Membership sign up.

Come along to our election events

In March we’ll be having election events, (in person and virtually) for people who are interested in becoming a Governor.

Join us to hear first-hand what governors do, how much time you must put in, what you will learn and how much influence you will have.

You can also read our Governor Candidate FAQs.

Join us to find out more about Becoming A Governor:

In person events:

• Tuesday 12 March, 3 to 6pm: Wallingford Community Hospital
• Wednesday 13 March, 3 to 6pm: Whiteleaf Centre
• Thursday 14 March, 2:30 to 4:30pm: Bicester Community Hospital

Virtual events (via Teams link):

• Wednesday 13 March, 10.30am.
• Wednesday 20 March, 6pm.

Ready to stand as an Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust Governor?

Visit the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust Governor election website.