Council of Governors' Elections 2024 to 2025

Nominations for this election are now closed.

The Corporate Affairs Team are now validating nominations and will share candidate statements when the ballot opens on Wednesday 22 January 2025.

If you have any questions please email foundation@gosh.nhs.uk

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

• 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.

On Tuesday 3 December 2024, 6.30pm to 7.30pm some of our governors hosted a 'So you want to be a Governor' online workshop. It was an informative event for the prospective members interested in standing for election. They discussed the merits, challenges, successes and enjoyable aspects of being a Governor at GOSH.

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.