Frequently asked questions
Are governors the same as members?
In order to run during elections as potential public governors, nominees must be members of the Trust, whereas staff governor nominees need to be employed by UHS. Staff are automatically enrolled as members when they are recruited by the Trust. Governors act as representatives of their constituencies and their members so can be contacted by both members and non-members if there are issues that need raising at a board level. Part of a governor’s role is holding the board to account.
Do I have to run as a governor if I become a member?
There is no pressure to run as a governor, although if you are interested and would like to know more we can of course provide you with some more information. Being a member is about staying up to date with the latest news and developments from the hospital, choosing to attend focus groups or meetings on topics you are interested in and having access to a great range of events held throughout the year.
Choosing to become a governor is a big decision as there are time commitments and responsibilities after being successfully elected. However, previous and current governors will tell you how rewarding the role can be as well. If you are interested in putting yourself forward as a governor, please contact UHSgovernor@uhs.nhs.uk
How can I get in touch with the governor representing my area?
If you would like to find out who your local governors are you can visit the main Council of Governors page.
If you would like to contact your governor, you can do so by emailing UHSgovernor@uhs.nhs.uk
The public are also welcome at Council of Governors meetings and Board meetings. Dates of these can be found on the UHS website.
Are young people represented on the Council of Governors?
Yes they are! We have two under 21 representative positions on the Council, including one from the University of Southampton and another from a local college. Our aim is to start holding more focus groups for young people about their experiences using the hospital and their views.
How can a member of staff become a member?
Staff are automatically registered as members of the Trust when their employment begins. There are staff governors who represent staff at the Council of Governors and these are split into four categories:
- Medical and dental
- Nursing and midwifery
- Health professionals and health scientists
- Non-clinical and support staff.
If you would like to find out who your staff governor is, please visit the staff governors page.
Just like public governors, staff governors are elected into the position.
How much does it cost to register as a member?
It’s free and it only takes a minute to sign up!
How do you handle my data?
In order to become a Trust member there is certain data we need to hold on you in order to confirm you are eligible; this includes your name, date of birth and address.
Are you able to send newsletters in the post?
Due to the cost of printing and posting newsletters, we now send the majority of communications to members via email. If you're a member but haven’t provided us with an email address, you can do so by emailing uhsmember@uhs.nhs.uk