Council of Governors' Elections 2024 to 2025

There has never been a better time to join the GOSH Council of Governors!

Ensure you fulfil all the eligibility criteria necessary to be a governor and then complete a nomination form, which is available from Civica Election Services as follows:

1. Fill out the form online
2. Call 0208 889 9203 to request a paper form.
3. Email your full name and address to ftnomnationenquiries@cesvotes.com and someone will send you a nomination form.
4. Send a letter with your full name and address to the Independent Scrutineer, Civica Election Services, The Election Centre, 33 Clarendon Road, London N8 0NW and someone will send you one.

The ideal governor is someone who has a passion for delivering quality care and great experiences for our patients, their families and making GOSH a great place to work for our staff.

Does this sound like you?

If you are looking for a new challenge, can spare some time on a regular basis and want to make a difference to children’s lives, then standing for election as a Governor on the Great Ormond Street Hospital Council of Governors is a great way to make that happen.

Suzanne Ellis, Non-Executive Director said "The governors’ contribution is extremely valuable."

Please contact the Corporate Affairs team for more information: foundation@gosh.nhs.uk

Our Council of Governors is made up of 23 elected and 4 nominated Governors (27 in total) that represent the hospital’s stakeholders and work closely with the Trust Board to ensure the Trust is moving in the right direction for everyone.

The Council of Governors is a key mechanism by which the Trust is accountable to local people. It is an important link between the Trust Board and Foundation Trust members. It meets formerly at least four times a year in public. In addition, committees and working groups established by the Council of Governors provide governors with the opportunity to assist and advise on the work of the Trust and to develop plans for the future.

Lead Governor Beverly Bittner-Grassby said "Being a governor is a great learning experience, particularly for people who aspire to manage large organisations or join boards."

To find out more about the current Governors and why they stood for election see their biographies.

The Trust hold annual elections that start every November for roughly one third of the elected Governors. This year there are eight seats up for election:

• parent/carer governor from London
• parent/carer governor from the Home Counties
• two patient governors from Home Counties
• patient governor from London
• public governor from the Home Counties
• two staff governors

Notice of election / nomination open - Thursday 14 November 2024

Nominations deadline - Thursday 12 December 2024

Final date for candidate withdrawal - Tuesday 17 December 2024

Notice of poll published - Tuesday 21 January 2025

Voting packs despatched - Wednesday 22 January 2025

Close of election - Friday 14 February 2025

Declaration of results - Monday 17 February 2025

• You must first be a GOSH member to stand as a Governor. If you are not a member, please sign up.
• You must be at least 16 years of age.
• You must live in the constituency you wish to stand in (the constituencies are London, the Home Counties and the Rest of England and Wales).

In order to be eligible to be a member of the Patient and Parent / Carer Constituencies, you or your child need have to have attended the hospital within 10 years prior to your application to become a member.

Candidates for a staff Governor seat must work for the Trust on a permanent contract or on a fixed term contract of 12 months or more - if you satisfy these criteria as a member of staff, you may not stand as a Governor in any other constituency.

For other criteria see the Eligibility Criteria Information Sheet.

Start of your term as Governor - 1 March 2025

Induction date 1 - Session led by the Corporate Affairs Team - Wednesday 5 March 2025, 1.30pm to 4.30pm

Induction date 2 - Session led by an external training partner - Thursday 10 April 2025, 1.30pm to 4.30pm

Your first Council of Governors' meeting! - Wednesday 16 April 2025

Other Council of Governors' meeting date - Thursday 3 July 2025

Other Council of Governors' meeting date - Wednesday 26 November 2025

A valuable source of information for any prospective Governor is the Governor Information Booklet. This provides a useful overview of what activities you will be engaged in, the support you receive and the time commitments if you are elected as a Governor.

If you would like to know more on Tuesday 3 December 2024, 6.30pm to 7.30pm some of our governors will host a 'So you want to be a Governor' online workshop. This will provide an opportunity for interested members to ask what life as a Governor is like and hear more about the role. Joining details for the session are available by emailing foundation@gosh.nhs.uk.

Governors are supported in their role through a formal induction, development sessions throughout their tenure, monthly newsletters and access to an online document library.

Hannah Hardy, Public Governor said "We have excellent access to continuous development opportunities."

The Corporate Affairs Team and the Lead Governor also offer support and answer any questions.