Sheffield Children’s begins search for new governors

Sheffield Children’s has opened nominations for new governors to represent the public and influence how the Trust makes plans to improve and develop services.

Members of the public, aged 16 and above, from Sheffield, South Yorkshire and the rest of England and Wales can nominate themselves to become a public governor from 15 June.

The public governor is an essential role at Sheffield Children’s and has many features including representing the interests of the Trust’s members and the public and holding non-executive directors to account for the performance of the Board of Directors.

An information pack about the governor role can be found below.

To nominate, you need to be a member of the Trust – which can be done online here for free. You don’t need any formal qualifications – just enthusiasm and a desire to help improve patient care. Some governors have previous experience of working with local communities while others bring skills that they gain through paid or voluntary work.

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, governors are meeting in new ways, and have new opportunities to contribute to important changes at Sheffield Children’s. Due to social distancing, many meetings are being held virtually, allowing governors to play their part from home. As the NHS learns more lessons as a result of the pandemic, services will be reshaped for the better to meet children’s needs in new and innovative ways. Governors have a vital role in steering this process.

Two virtual sessions are being held for potential new governors to get more information:

• Tuesday 30 June, 5.15pm to 6.15pm
• Tuesday 7 July, 5.15pm to 6.15pm

Sarah Jones, Chair of the Board at the Trust, said: “Public governors get involved in all manner of activities, offering crucial input and giving voice to the public in discussions about their local Trust. They hold the Board of Directors to account and ask the questions they know the community would ask.

“The role is a very rewarding one and it’s an opportunity to contribute towards improving the services we offer patients. If you want to apply your skills and dedicate a small portion of your time to an active role in Sheffield Children’s, please consider standing as a governor and give a voice to local people.”

The Trust is keen to increase the diversity of the Council of Governors to better mirror the users of its services and welcomes nominations from people of any background.

The Trust will provide all necessary training, advice and support for those elected as governors. Governors who are elected will be in post for a period of three years and will be eligible to stand for re-election at the end of that period.

Anyone interested in being a governor or wishing to attend the two information sessions should contact the Corporate Affairs Team on 0114 2717593 or email matthew.kane1@nhs.net.

Nominations can be completed at www.cesvotes.com/sch2020 from 15 June.