What Governors do

One of the key roles governors will play is to ensure that the voice of members is heard in SECAmb. We have a strong track record of effective involvement and we wish to work with our governors to build on this as a foundation trust.

Foundation trusts use various methods to enable governors and members to interact, and SECAmb works with governors to facilitate this appropriately. Methods may include the web, email, constituency meetings, seminars and surgeries.

Governors should also be seeking to increase the number of members in their constituency in line with the Trust’s target membership. Having a broad and diverse membership will help us be sure we’re listening to all groups within our communities, including those that are seldom heard.

SECAmb provides lots of support for governors. The Company Secretary is the first point of contact for governors once they are elected, and will support governors in their role. The Trust’s Membership Manager is also available, through the Company Secretary, to support membership recruitment and engagement activities. Governors may also choose to work together, particularly in constituencies where there is more than one governor, to inform people about SECAmb, membership, and to engage with existing members.

Roles and responsibilities of governors

Public governors have a number of responsibilities and duties: some of which are set out by law and others are decided by the Trust itself. One of the key roles governors play is to ensure that the voice of members is heard in SECAmb. Governors’ input provides a clear and formal structure for listening to and involving patients, the public and staff. SECAmb has a strong track record of effective involvement and we will work with our governors to build on this now that we are a foundation trust.

These responsibilities are set out in more detail in the Governors’ Handbook:

Undertaking statutory duties, such as appointing and setting pay and conditions for the Chair and Non-Executive Directors.
Representing members and ensuring their voice is heard.
Acting in an advisory role, bringing the public and patient perspective to the Council of Governors.
Being an ambassador and guardian for SECAmb, including reaching out to new members, and ensuring SECAmb puts the needs of patients at the heart of everything we do.

Governors are also expected to abide by the Trust’s Code of Conduct for Governors.