Council of Governors

Our Council of Governors is the voice of the people we serve, and it helps set our priorities and shape our services, based on our members’ views. You need to be a member of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust in order to be considered for election as a governor.

Who are governors?

The Council of Governors is chaired by the Chair of the Trust and consists of:

• 15 public governors
• 5 staff governors
• 1 volunteer governor
• 8 partner governors

To contact the Council of Governors please email caroline.lynch@royalberkshire.nhs.uk 

What does a governor do?

As a Foundation Trust, our governors play a very important role in how the Trust is run. By law, the governors:

• appoint, remove and decide terms of office (including remuneration) of the Chair and other Non-Executive Directors
• approve the appointment of the Chief Executive (CEO)
• appoint or remove the Trust Auditors
• review the annual accounts, Auditor’s Report and Annual Report and hold an Annual General Meeting
• present views on the Board of Directors’ future plans

Other responsibilities include: 

• represent the interests and views of our Trust Members in their constituency
• 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

How do I become a governor?

We hold local elections for governors regularly. To become a governor, you need to be 16 or older and already a member of our Trust.

You can nominate yourself or someone else to become a governor.

Find out more about becoming a governor by emailing Caroline Lynch - caroline.lynch@royalberkshire.nhs.uk.

Useful Contacts

Corporate Governance Office
Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
Craven Road
Reading
RG1 5AN

0118 322 5335
caroline.lynch@royalberkshire.nhs.uk