Becoming a Governor

If you are a member of the NHS Foundation Trust and over the age of 16, you have the right, to stand for election to the Council of Governors.

For more information on standing as a Governor, please contact Foundation Trust office (contact details below).

About a third of the public member representative seats on the Council of Governors come up for election each year. The elections are held in each of our 4 Public Constituencies. They usually take place in the autumn, and the successful candidates take up their seats on the Council of Governors in the spring.

Notice of election to the Council of Governors

The results have been announced by Civica Election Services on Monday 6 February 2024.

Exclusions to standing as a Governor

There are some exclusions to standing for election as a governor, which are fully described in the Constitution. They include recent conviction as a criminal, bankruptcy or recent dismissal from the NHS. Governors should show commitment to the role and act in the best interests of the Trust. Governors will also be expected to declare political affiliations and financial interests as part of the nomination process.

Council of Governors’ meetings

The Council of Governors usually meets four times a year, including its annual members’ meeting held in the autumn. The meetings can be attended by members of the public as observers.

Key documents

If you wish your governor to raise an issue

Governors are required to give prior notice to the Chairman of any items they wish to raise at the Council of Governors’ meetings. Anyone wishing to raise a topic should do so via the Foundation Trust Office, details below. Details of your governors can be found on our ‘Meet your Governors‘ page.

To contact your local Governor, please contact the Foundation Trust Office:

Foundation Trust Office
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Hengrave House
Torbay Hospital
Torquay TQ2 7AA

Tel: 01803 655705
Email: Foundation Trust Office