Become a Governor

This leaflet is about becoming a Governor for Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP). CWP is a Foundation Trust that provides health services for local people in partnership with other organisations.

Our services include:

  • Mental health services
  • Learning disability services
  • Physical health services

What is a CWP Governor?
Governors have a significant role in making the Trust publicly accountable for the services it provides. They are elected by CWP members or appointed by one of our partnership organisations and form the Council of Governors.

Appointed Governors represent stakeholder organisations such as our local councils or charities.

Governors are responsible for representing the interests of members, to the Trust Board of Directors. Members can be patients, service users, staff, or the general public.

Governor Roles
Our Governors have a diverse range of knowledge, skills, and experience, which is highly valued by the Trust. There are different types of Governors that represent the Trust:

  • Staff Governors work for the Trust and are close to operational issues
  • Service User/Carer Governors have first-hand experience of our services, either through care and treatment they have received personally or through care and treatment provided to a family member or friend.
  • Public Governors represent the voice and opinion of our general public in relation to the services we provide, the views of the local community, environmental issues etc.

Why become a Governor?
You might want to become a Governor if you are interested in:

  • Improving health services in your area.
  • Supporting CWP’s work.
  • Giving something back to your local community.
  • A challenging role that makes a difference.
  • Improving people’s understanding and awareness of CWP services.

What kind of things would I do?
Governors use their experience to:

  • Speak on behalf of CWP members and share those views with the Council of Governors.
  • Keep people informed about the challenges faced by CWP.
  • Represent their particular area by finding out what people think of CWP services and how they could be improved.
  • Be an ambassador for CWP.

Who is the Governor representing my area of interest?
A full list of current governors can be found online at www.cwp.nhs.uk under ‘Meet our Governors.’

Who can be a Governor?
No specific qualifications are required to be a Governor. Commitment to the role and a desire to make difference is key.

If you are 16 years old and a member, you can nominate yourself for election to the Council of Governors. To become a member visit our website www.cwp.nhs.uk ‘Become a Member’.

 

If you would like this information in another format, please speak to a member of CWP staff or e-mail cwp.info@nhs.net.
May 2025, Version 1