Become a governor

The council of governors serves as a vital link between the board of directors and the members of the trust. Chaired by the chair of the board, this council meets in public at least four times a year.

The council of governors consists of a total of 41 RDaSH governor seats, collectively forming a dynamic and diverse body. These governor seats have specific role requirements and contribute to the effective functioning of the council. The roles and responsibilities encompass various aspects, including:

• 20 public governors, elected by members in local communities, including Doncaster, Rotherham, North Lincolnshire, the rest of England, carers, and service users; these play a crucial role in representing the interests and perspectives of the wider public
• 6 staff governors, elected by employed individuals within the trust. Provide valuable insights into staff views, contributing first-hand experience to strategic discussions
• 10 appointed governors, nominated by partner organizations, including local authorities and academic sectors; these bring expert insights to the governance process, particularly in considerations related to care

• governors individually and collectively hold non-executive directors accountable for the performance of the board of directors
• non-executive directors, as independent members of the board, collaborate with executives to establish ambitions, strategies, policies, and priorities for the trust, governors hold them accountable for the delivery of these objectives
• the council of governors appoints or removes the chair and other non-executive directors, a nomination committee assists in this process
• governors approve the remuneration, allowances, and other terms and conditions of non-executive directors, relying on recommendations from the nominations committee
• the council of governors works with the audit committee of the board of directors to appoint or remove the trust’s auditors
• governors receive the annual accounts and the annual report, staying informed about the trust’s financial and operational status
• governors approve the appointment of the chief executive, a decision made by non-executive directors
• the council of governors approves applications to enter into a merger or acquisition above a certain financial level

“My role as a governor is important to me. I am passionate about the NHS and, residing in a community which is served by RDaSH, this NHS trust is close to my heart particularly given I have close family members who have needed to access its services. It is important to me that, as a governor, I can support RDaSH in its aim to achieve and maintain quality service provision which is fit for the diverse communities it serves.”

“Becoming a governor has really widened my knowledge of the workings of the trust, across all three geographical areas of Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber. There are many areas that you can listen, meet, or interact with like-minded people to make the process as easy as possible.”

“I have remained very active since retiring from being a nurse. I didn’t want that experience to be wasted with my retirement. It’s a privilege to be involved and be a voice of the public in RDaSH.”