Statement on Torbay public governor vacancies

Published: 27 April 2026

We are sorry that two people who were recently returned as public governors for the Torbay constituency have decided not to take up their roles and we are disappointed that they felt unable to continue at this early stage.

We recognise how strongly people in Torbay and across South Devon care about their local NHS services – and about Torbay Hospital in particular. Hearing local voices matters and we will continue to listen and engage openly, especially when decisions are difficult.

Public governors have an important role in representing the interests of members and the public and in holding our non executive directors to account for the performance and leadership of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust as a whole. Torbay Hospital is a vital part of our organisation and we also provide hospital and community services across Torbay and South Devon and adult social care services in Torbay.

In this instance, the two individuals were returned unopposed in the Torbay public governor election. Their decision not to take up the roles was made before the standard onboarding steps for new governors were completed (including induction, signing the governors’ code of conduct, declaring interests and completing mandatory training). They had not yet attended a meeting of the Council of Governors.

Our Constitution sets out how vacancies among elected governors may be handled and it is for the Council of Governors to decide how to proceed. This includes options to run an election within three months, to invite the next highest polling candidate from the most recent election to become a governor (if there is one), or – depending on the circumstances – to leave seats vacant until the next elections are held.

We will support the Council of Governors to follow this process and we encourage anyone interested in becoming a public governor to consider standing when nominations open. Public governors help ensure local views are heard and play an important part in good, constructive governance.