Are you interested in helping to shape the way that University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) runs its services? If so, why not put yourself forward as a Governor and make that difference by representing members’ and the public’s views?
Nominations are now open for elections to UHMBT's Council of Governors, with seven public seats up for election.
The Public Governor positions up for election are for the Trust's Barrow and West Cumbria; Lancashire and North Yorkshire; and South Lakes and North Cumbria constituencies.
There are also Staff Governor vacancies in Community Services, Nursing and Midwifery, Allied Health Professionals and Estates and Facilities.
The Trust has a total of 32 Governors - made up of seven Staff Governors and 17 Public Governors who are voted for by members of their constituencies. There are also eight Partner Governors appointed by organisations who work with the Trust.
To be eligible to stand for election, a nominee must be a member of the Trust from the constituency they are standing for and have no prior convictions.
The closing date for nominations is 5pm on 12 August 2022 and the results will be announced on 23 September 2022.
Mike Thomas, Chair of UHMBT, said: "The Council of Governors has a specific responsibility to represent the interests of members of the Trust and the interests of the public, and to hold the Non-Executive Directors to account for the performance of the Board of Directors.
“Our Governors provide an additional layer of scrutiny to ensure that decisions taken by our Executives and the Board result in improved care for patients.
"There are no specific qualifications required to become a Governor, other than a genuine enthusiasm to make a difference and a passion for doing things better.
"You should care about patients, staff and the services the Trust provides, and you should wish to bring the knowledge and experience of members and staff into discussions and decisions about the direction of the Trust.
"All Governors will be given support, including learning and development, and Staff Governors will be given time to undertake the role."
If you wish to submit a nomination, you can do so electronically by going to: University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust 2022 (ukevote.uk)
Alternatively, you can contact UK Engage via the following contact details:
- Telephone: 0345 209 3770
- Email: uhmb@uk-engage.org
- Post: UK Engage, Image House, 10 Acorn Business Park, Heaton Lane, Stockport SK4 1AS.
If you have any further queries or require more information about becoming a Governor, the Trust is holding some informal drop-in sessions over Microsoft Teams. The sessions are an opportunity for interested individuals to meet with the Chair of the Trust and either the Head Governor or Deputy Governor to find out more about the role and ask any questions. The sessions will take place on:
To join the sessions, click the relevant link at the time of the meeting.
You can also contact the Office of the Company Secretary on: 01539 715314 / 07890 036817.
If you are not yet a Member of the Trust and would like to join, it is free to sign up. To find out more and apply to be a Member, visit: https://www.uhmb.nhs.uk/get-involved/our-membership or contact the FT Membership Office at FTmembership.Office@mbht.nhs.uk