Newly elected governors announced
Some familiar and some new faces are being welcomed to the Council of Governors this month.
The Trust has 4 new governors. A further 2 governors have been re-elected. The Trust provides a range of mental health and physical health services to children and adults across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, working from community hospitals and people's homes.
The Trust welcomes Andy Jago and Alison Shaw to its East Constituency. Both Andy and Alison are familiar to the Trust. Andy is a third-generation psychiatric nurse (retired). He was one of the Trust's first Governors. At that time he represented the Staff Constituency. He stood for election as a governor to champion the voice of patients and carers.
Alison Shaw also returns to the Council of Governors. Alison, first held the role in 2019 representing the Trust's Other Constituency. She put herself forward to be a governor after she retired and returned to Cornwall.
Hannah Snelling and Nigel Walker were both re-elected. They hold seats in the East and West Constituencies respectively.
The Staff Constituency welcomes Richard Laugharne and Helen Woods. Richard is a semi-retired Consultant Psychiatrist and Head of Research. Helen is Head of Pharmacy.
Margaret Schwarz, Chairs both the Trust's Council of Governors and Board of Directors.
"I am delighted to welcome Alison, Andy, Helen, and Richard to the Council of Governors. I'm also pleased to welcome back Hannah and Nigel. They each bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Trust. They are all great additions to our Council of Governors.
"Thank you to Barry, Fi, Mike and Zoe for the time, effort, and support they gave the Trust during their tenures."
Governors play a key role within a Foundation Trust. They represent the views of patients, the public, staff and partners. They are a key link between the Trust and the communities it serves. They also hold Non-Executive Directors to account for the performance of the Board.
Anyone from the age of 14, including patients, carers and staff are eligible to become members. Members aged 16 and over are eligible to stand as Governors, who if elected hold the position for a 3-year term.
19 people make up the Trust’s Council of Governors. This is broken down into 11 public governors, 4 staff governors, and 4 appointed governors. The Trust's appointed governors represent Cornwall Council, the Council of the Isles of Scilly, Truro and Penwith College, and Volunteer Cornwall.