Role of a Governor

Role of a Governor

Governors have specific powers that are statutory (required by law):

  • Hold the Non-Executive Directors individually and collectively accountable for the performance of the Board of Directors
  • Appoint, can remove and assign how much the Non-Executive Directors and Chairman can be paid and what their Terms and Conditions should be
  • Approve (or not) the appointment of any new Chief Executive
  • Appoint and, if appropriate, remove our External Auditor
  • Receive our annual accounts, our auditor's report and annual report.
  • Represent the interests of the members of the Trust as a whole and the interests of the public 
  • Present views to the Board of Directors on the development of our plans and significant changes to the services we provide
  • Approve significant transactions
  • Approve any proposed amendments to the Constitution
  • Approve any proposed mergers and acquisitions or separations

Governors don't just have statutory responsibilities, they can have a wider influence both within and outside of the Trust.

Governors also:

  • Represent the interests and views of our Members
  • Play an ambassadorial role, representing the interests of the Trust and adhering to its values
  • Assist with Member recruitment
  • Contribute content for our Member communications, surveys and consultations
  • Attend Member meetings, events and talks
  • Attend local events on behalf of the Trust
  • Provide an important link with the local community

The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust Public Governors have an important role in representing the public voice and diversity of the local community, and influencing the continual improvement of health services for the people of Rotherham.

More information on the statutory duties of NHS Foundation Trust Governors.


Source URL: https://www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/about-us/about-our-governors/the-role-of-a-governor

List of links present in page
  1. https://www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/about-us/about-our-governors/the-role-of-a-governor
  2. https://www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/about-us/board
  3. https://www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/2023-12/Constitution%20%28FINAL%29%20February%202023.pdf
  4. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/284473/Governors_guide_August_2013_UPDATED_NOV_13.pdf