Could you have what it takes to join our Council of Governors?

Whilst not involved in the day-to-day running of our service, our governors play a vital role in reviewing the performance of our Board and the contribution our service makes to the wider health and care system, providing an essential link to the communities we serve.

Our governors have the following duties:

• Appoint or remove the Trust’s chair of the Board, non-executive directors and external auditor
• Contribute to the strategic thinking and forward planning for the Trust’s services and priorities, led by the directors
• Receive and discuss the annual report and accounts at the Annual General Meeting
• Develop the Trust’s membership, representing the interests of members
• Approve the renumeration, allowances and other terms and conditions of office and non-executive directors
• Approve (or not) an application to enter into a merger or acquisition
• Approve (or not) increases of more than five per cent a year to the Trust’s non-NHS income
• Approve the appointment of the Trust’s chief executive, as recommended by the non-executive directors

Elections are taking place in the following public constituencies:

• Teesside (five vacancies)
• Durham (five vacancies)
• South of Tyne (five vacancies)
• North of Tyne (six vacancies)

Nomination packs have been sent out to all Trust members. Anyone interested in standing for nomination has until 5pm on Monday, 17 June to submit their nomination form ready for voting to open on 2 July. Voting will close on 25 July.

Who can stand for election?

To be able to stand for election, you must:

• Be a Foundation Trust member in the constituency for which you wish to be elected
• Be 16 years or older
• Agree to carry out your duties if elected as a Governor
• Read the eligibility criteria sent to you with the nomination pack and make sure they all apply to you
• Complete and return your nomination form, election statement and photograph by 5pm on Monday, 17 June

It’s easy to become a member, so if you’re not already registered, you can do so here: https://www.neas.nhs.uk/about-us/foundation-trust/foundation-trust-membership

If you would like to stand for election, please register and complete your nomination online at https://nom.uk-engage.org/neas by 5pm on Monday, 17 June.