Do you want to have more of a say in helping to shape local healthcare services in your area? If so, a role as a new service user and carer governor at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare - your local NHS Foundation Trust - could be just the opportunity you’re looking for!
The trust, which provides mental health, learning disability, children, and community services across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, has introduced six new service user and carer governor roles to be elected to the Council of Governors. Anyone aged 14 or over who has used Trust services in the past three years—or is caring for someone who has—is eligible to join the Trust as a service user and carer member and nominate themselves for election.
Governors become members of the Council of Governors and provide a vital link between the public and the Trust. They help communicate the ideas, feedback, and concerns of local people. Their role is to raise concerns and ask questions on behalf of people living in the constituencies they represent, to support our patients, their families, and carers, and help shape the way the Trust provides healthcare services.
Neil Hayward, Chair of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare, explains: “We are very excited to introduce new service users and carers to our Council of Governors. They not only help us make strategic decisions about our services but, most importantly, they will bring their lived experience, to the forefront of our discussions. So, if you have a passion for healthcare and want to make a sizeable difference, I encourage you to nominate yourself to become a governor.”
Steph Stinton, former public governor who now works for the Trust said “I became a governor to influence the system based on my own lived experience. As someone who has used different services in the past, I noticed gaps that I felt needed addressing. I wanted to be in the right rooms—where decisions are made—so I could influence those conversations and help shape better services. You don’t need to be an expert—just someone who cares and wants to use their voice to help others. It’s incredibly rewarding to know you’re helping shape services for the better.”
If you would like to find out more about being a governor, we are hosting a virtual session on Teams for interested candidates on Wednesday 24 September 11am - 12pm. Email corporate.
Nominations for the Governor elections are now open and will close on Tuesday 14 October at 5pm.
Apply today: Nominations