Council of Governors
The involvement of our governors helps to shape the services we provide and reflects the needs and priorities of our patients, staff and local communities.
They meet quarterly in public and, at these meetings, provide feedback, acting as the eyes and ears of local people, when formal decisions are about to be made by the Trust Board.
Meet the Governors
Our Council of Governors is led by Matthew Swindells, our Chair.
Elected Governors
- 8 patient governors
- 14 public governors—representing 8 constituencies within our local boroughs of the City of Westminster, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Hounslow, Richmond Upon Thames, Wandsworth, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and also the Rest of England
- 6 staff governors—representing 6 categories of staff including doctors, nurses and, allied health professionals and non-clinical staff.
Appointed Governors
The organisations authorised to appoint a representative to the Council of Governors are:
- 1 governor from Imperial College London
- 1 governor from Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham or Westminster City Council to be appointed on a rotational basis
- 1 governor from London Borough of Hounslow, London Borough of Richmond or London Borough of Wandsworth to be appointed on a rotational basis
Meet the Appointed Governors from these organisations.
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.
Engagement with members and the public
The Council of Governors has a Membership and engagement 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