Become a governor at NSFT and help make a difference in your community

A series of information events is being held for people who are interested in joining Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust as governors.

The Trust, which provides specialist mental health and learning disability services across Norfolk and Suffolk, has six vacancies for members of the public to join its Council of Governors.

Governors provide a key link between the public and the Trust, representing the interests of their communities and holding non-executive directors to account for the performance of the Board.

Howard Tidman, NSFT’s Lead Governor, said: “Being a governor is an extraordinarily fulfilling role and I highly recommend it. You really can make a difference to people’s lives and the services that support them.”

Free, informal events have been organised for people to meet some of the Trust’s current governors, find out more about what’s involved, who can apply, and the nomination process. They take place on:

Thursday 5 October, 09:00 - 14:00: Visit the Trust governors’ stand at Healthwatch Norfolk Live, The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich NR2 1TF. No registration required to visit the stands. If you would like to register for the Healthwatch Norfolk Live event, please visit www.healthwatchnorfolk.co.uk
Wednesday 11 October, 17:00 - 18:30: This event will be online
Friday 13 October, 11:00 - 12:30 : Endeavour House, Russell Road, Ipswich IP1 2BX — CANCELLED
Thursday 19 October, 12:00 - 13:30 : Diss United Reformed Church, Mere Street, Diss IP22 4AD

If you are interested in attending one or more of the events, either in person or online, please complete the registration form at least 24 hours before the date of the event by visiting nsft.uk/electionsessions . If you have any queries, please email Membership@nsft.nhs.uk

Jean Clark, Trust Secretary, said: “We’ve organised these sessions because we’re looking for people who have an interest in the Trust and a real desire to help us continue to make real improvements to the care we provide. The diversity of life experience and knowledge of our governors really makes a difference as it provides new insights, solutions and challenge to the Trust’s Board.”

More information is available at nsft.uk/elections

Further information

NSFT governors contribute to setting the strategy and direction of the Trust on behalf of members, service users, carers and the wider community.

They also hold the non-executive directors to account for the performance of the Board.

Along with attending four Council of Governors meetings a year, governors can get involved in sub-committees, members’ events, visits to services and training sessions.

There are 23 governors elected by Trust members, and eight appointed by partner organisations. Elected Governors serve three-year terms, starting on 1 February.

The six vacancies for members of the public which are up for election this year are: