Become a Governor

Governors are passionate individuals who care about improving local healthcare services. Elected from our membership, which includes local residents, service users, carers, and staff, they serve as vital links between our Trust and the communities we serve. Their involvement supports our mission to achieve ‘Better Mental Health, Better Lives, Better Communities’. We also have appointed Governors from partner organisations.

• Be an advocate: Represent the voices of service users, carers, staff, and the public.
• Develop your skills: Enhance your leadership and collaboration skills and broaden your knowledge while engaging with the Trust.
• Ensure accountability: Help ensure that our services meet the evolving needs of our diverse community.

Governors play an important role in ensuring that our Trust Board is accountable to the public and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve. Their key responsibilities include:

• Representing the interests of Members, service users, carers, and the wider public.
• Acting as ambassadors for the Trust and our mission.
• Participating in discussions that influence service development and direction.
• Approving key decisions and holding Non-Executive Directors accountable for Board performance. 

To be an effective Governor, you should:

• Attend quarterly Council of Governor meetings, plus an Annual Members’ Meeting, typically held in person during evenings.
• Prepare for meetings by reviewing relevant papers and reports.
• Engage with Members and the public to inform your contributions.
• Pose questions to Non-Executive Directors on the Trust’s work.
• Learn and keep updated on Trust developments.
• Work together, take responsibility, and embrace change.

Governors are a vital link between the Trust and the communities we serve. 
Not only do Governors represent the interests of their communities and the public, as a whole, by using their networks and local ties, they can help us engage more effectively on Trust priorities and decisions.

Another main statutory duty of the Council of Governors is to hold to account Non-Executive Directors (who they appoint to oversee decision making and strategy) for the performance of the Trust Board. Governors achieve this through various methods, such as observing Board meetings and contributing to strategic discussions. Their insight ensures that the Trust remains aligned with the needs of its communities. 

We are rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and this has meant better care for the people of North London and beyond. For this to continue, we need to maintain strong partnerships between Directors, staff, service users and their carers – and Governors play a key role in fostering these relationships. 

Becoming a Governor offers a unique opportunity to influence mental healthcare, advocate for high-quality services, and drive meaningful changes that enhance care for individuals in our communities. Join us in this rewarding role to help make a lasting impact. 

Almost anyone aged 16 or over can become a Governor by meeting one of the following criteria: 

• Governor: You must live in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, Islington, the rest of London or in England and Wales.
• Service User / Carer Governor: You should have used the Trust’s services within the last five years, or be a carer of someone who has.
• Staff Governor: You qualify if you are employed by the Trust under a substantive contract or have been continuously employed for at least 12 months.

To stand as a Governor, you must also be a Trust Member. If you’re not yet a Member, learn more and join for free here to enjoy the benefits!

As a Member, you have the opportunity to stand for election as a Governor

This voluntary role typically requires a commitment of up to two days per month. This allows you to engage with members, review meeting materials, and attend local events. Meetings are generally held in the evenings, which hopefully make the commitment more manageable.

The great news is that you don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a Governor because you’ll have access to tailored training and on-going support to help you be successful in, and enjoy, the role. So, whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting out, we’re here to empower you every step of the way.