Our NHS needs you! Become a governor and make your voice count

Published: 30 June 2026

Could you help shape the future of NHS care? Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is encouraging people to step forward to represent where they live by becoming a public governor.

Being a governor is an exciting and rewarding role, and they help to ensure the voices of patients, carers, members of the community are considered by the trust’s board before decisions about health and care services are made. Governors work closely with the Chairman and the board, and act as the organisation’s critical friend and holding them to account.

Nominations to become a governor are open until 5pm on Monday 27 July. To stand for election you must be a trust member, be 16 or older and live in the constituency you want to represent.

Jake O’Donovan was recently elected to represent the Teignbridge constituency and is encouraging people to consider joining him as a governor. He said: “I’ve lived in Torbay for 10 years; two of my children were born at Torbay Hospital and my family has had to use some of its services during the past few years.

“I used to work for the NHS and I’ve seen first-hand how hard people work and the innovation that is taking place to provide care to people when they need it, but I’ve also seen where improvements can be made. It’s sometimes easy to just say that something isn’t working, but I wanted to do something to support and protect our NHS for my family, friends and the people who live in Teignbridge.

“Becoming a governor is helping me to strengthen the connection between local people and the NHS services that serve them. I would encourage anyone who loves our local NHS to consider becoming a governor.”

Lead Governor Loveday Densham says: “We’re looking for people who are passionate about where they live and want to support and improve our communities. You don’t need any NHS experience, just be willing to listen, ask questions and represent people’s views.

“I love being a governor and knowing I’m making a positive difference to improving our NHS at a time when it’s under significant pressure to transform how care is provided in our hospitals and in our communities. Torbay and South Devon is a diverse community and we’re looking for people who reflect our diversity, including those who have experience of using our services, carers, younger and working-age residents and anyone who feels their voice is not always heard.”

There are four online sessions taking place for anyone who wants to know more about becoming a governor and what’s involved in the role. The sessions take place on:

  • Wednesday 01 July, 3pm
  • Thursday 09 July, 8am
  • Monday 13 July, 12 noon
  • Tuesday 21 July, 5pm

All sessions will be held on Microsoft Teams. To book a place, email our Foundation Trust Office or call 01803 655406.

To learn more or to put yourself forward, see our Become a governor page.