Published on: 12 July 2019
We are calling on people living in two areas of Derbyshire to help strengthen the NHS, by standing in the Trust’s upcoming public governor elections and serving as the voice of their community on health-related issues.
We are seeking nominations for our Derby City West and Erewash areas by Friday 9 August 2019, with elections taking place in September 2019.
The successful candidates in these key voluntary roles will join the Trust’s Council of Governors. They will be responsible for holding the Trust’s Non-Executive Directors publicly accountable and will help to shape the activities of the Trust.
Derby City West
Derby City West’s governor will represent the views of Trust members across the wards of: Abbey/Allestree, Arboretum, Blagreaves, Darley, Littleover, Mackworth, Normanton and Mickleover.
Erewash
Erewash’s governor will represent the views of Trust members across the wards of: Abbotsford, Breaston, Cotmanhay, Derby Road East, Derby Road West, Draycott, Hallam Fields, Ilkeston Central, Ilkeston North, Kirk Hallam, Little Eaton and Breadsall, Little Hallam, Long Eaton Central, Nottingham Road, Ockbrook and Borrowash, Old Park, Stanley, Sandiacre North, Sandiacre South, Sawley, West Hallam and Dale Abbey, and Wilsthorpe.
Learn more
If you are interested in standing, a form can be obtained as follows:
- Online: by visiting the election website
- Email: ciara.norris@electoralreform.co.uk
- Telephone: 020 8889 9203
- Text: Text 'DH' followed by your name and address to 88802.
For more information about becoming a governor, please contact the membership and Involvement Manager by calling 01332 623723 or emailing dhcft.membership@nhs.net.
After gaining Foundation Trust status in 2011, Derbyshire Healthcare made a commitment to represent its communities as effectively as possible and promote public awareness of health issues.
Having Trust members – represented by elected governors – is a key way for Derbyshire Healthcare to involve local people in the organisation’s work and ensure that it provides the best possible care and treatment for the people it serves.
The organisation’s Council of Governors is made up of 16 members of the public, six staff representatives and six representatives from partner organisations. Governors are elected by the Foundation Trust’s members and oversee the Trust’s Board, who are responsible for running the NHS services that the Trust is commissioned to provide to the residents of Derby and Derbyshire.
'Proactive and effective’
John Morrissey is the Lead Governor for Derbyshire Healthcare and current governor for Amber Valley. He said:
“It’s fair to say that I had very little idea about what was involved when I was first elected, but I have been surprised and pleased at the amount of contact that the role has provided with so many dedicated professional people. I have learned much more than I could have anticipated, both from these contacts and from the opportunities for training within and outside the Trust – a real education.
“During my time on the Council, the role of governors, individually and as a body, has really developed. We have given ourselves the opportunity to make each governor better informed and the Council as a whole to be proactive, effective and to develop a sense of purpose. This has made being a governor more enjoyable and fulfilling.”
‘Very rewarding’
Speaking about the role of governor, Lynda Langley, public governor, said:
“I enjoy being a governor as it allows me to engage with members of the public from all walks of life, by visiting various groups in the area.
“Attendance at meetings has given me an insight into how the Board operates and how the Trust is preparing for a changing, challenging future. I have met with staff from throughout the Trust and I am constantly amazed by the range of work they undertake and their dedication to their roles.”
