Governors’ activities

The Council of Governors consists of elected representatives from three areas—patients, public, and staff—and appointed representatives of key local stakeholder organisations. Details are on the Council of Governors page.

The Council works with the trust board by acting as a ‘critical friend’, keeping an eye on performance and helping to shape the trust’s future. Some of the ways in which the Governors do this are set out below.

Quality

Governors sit on a Quality Sub-Committee which exists to assist the development and implementation of the trust’s quality programme. It monitors the quality of services to identify priorities for improvement and provides input into the annual Quality Account.

Governors join in the monthly half-day senior nurse clinical rounds in specified areas to check on practice compared to the Essential Standards laid down by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). They have also established a Quality Awards scheme for individual members of staff or teams who have made an outstanding contribution to quality for patients in terms of safety, patient experience and clinical effectiveness.

Engagement with members and the public

The Council of Governors has a Membership Sub-Committee which focuses on the development and implementation of the trust’s membership strategy including recruitment, retention and engagement.

Strategic development

Governors discuss strategic issues with senior management and give their views on possible future developments.

Lobbying and campaigning in support of the hospital

Governors have supported the hospital through official submissions during public consultations on issues including:

• ‘Safe in our hands’ campaign to keep A&E at Chelsea and Westminster
• Changes to the future provision of stroke services in London
• Proposed abolition of the Western Extension of the Congestion Charge Zone