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Introduction by the Chairman

Graham Sims

The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust provides the majority of secondary care hospital services to the people of Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire and a range of more specialised services to the whole population of Berkshire and beyond. The Trust has a strong reputation for its clinical services, having for a number of years delivered results in many areas that put us in the best in class. We are therefore very proud of the Trust and the services that we provide to our communities. We have an excellent body of devoted staff and a wide group of partners and friends who work with us. We have strong links with the community and this is exemplified by our Council of Governors. Our Governors represent the communities we serve, our staff and our key partners. They provide sterling service in representing the views of our members and the community and helping us in what we do. Foundation Trusts are part of the NHS. We have more freedom to manage our own budgets and to shape the health care service we provide to better reflect local needs and priorities. Foundation Trusts are accountable to their communities through local people who become members of the Trust and who elect or appoint Governors. The membership community is made up of local people, patients, carers, volunteers and staff. We have a body of approximately 9,000 members who provide us with excellent support. The key outward face of the Trust is the Council of Governors. The Council has an important role in communication with local people and in helping to tailor services better to meet local needs. Good Governors are a key part of our success. If you would like to and are thinking of becoming a governor please read this booklet carefully. Our Trust Secretary can be contacted by email, caroline.lynch@royalberkshire.nhs.uk or telephone, 0118 322 5335 and she will be happy to tell you more about the role. I very much hope you find this helpful and that it will encourage you to apply to join the Council.

Graham Sims Chairman

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1 Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust – about us

We touch the lives of half a million patients each year through the provision of high quality acute medical and surgical services for our local communities in Reading, Wokingham, West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and Bracknell. We also provide specialist services such as cancer, heart attack, hyper acute stroke, renal, trauma unit, ophthalmology and specialist orthopaedics, to a population of one million across Berkshire and its borders. With around 5,000 staff we are one of the largest employers in the Reading area. The Royal Berkshire Hospital is based on a single site near the centre of Reading. The hospital is the main base for the Trust and, with around 700 beds and capacity for over 200 day patients, it provides a wide range of services. The Trust manages the day surgery unit and the acute outpatients department of West Berkshire Community Hospital. We are also responsible for running clinical services at Townlands Hospital in Henley and host and provide services at the Royal Berkshire Healthspace in Bracknell. The Prince Charles Eye Unit, based at the King Edward VII Hospital in Windsor, provides eye services to the patients of East Berkshire and has two adjacent modern ophthalmic theatres. We also provide dialysis services to the patients of East Berkshire at a unit in Windsor. Our vision To provide the best healthcare in the UK for our patients in our community

Our commitment to deliver our vision will be taken forward through four ‘Simple Aims’

Best patient experience

Best healthcare outcomes

Best value healthcare

Best place to work train and learn For further information please see copies of our annual report and annual plan. All are available on our website or on request.

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2 Governance arrangements – how we are run

NHS Foundation Trusts are run by a Board of Directors – these are ‘unitary boards’ comprising both executive (staff) directors and non executive (independent) directors. The Board provides leadership, develops the Trust strategy and monitors its performance, patient care and efficiency. The Executive team reports to the Board, running the organisation on a day to day basis. Details of the Executive team structure and the work of individual specialties can be found on our website in the ‘About Us’ and ‘Wards and Departments’ sections.

The Council of Governors sits between the Board and the membership community and its primary roles are to represent the views of the membership, and hold the non executive directors to account for the performance of the Board of Directors. The Council has a number of duties which include approving the appointment of the Chief Executive and appointing the non-executive directors and Chairman.

The Council of Governors is made up of 29 governors. There are fifteen public Governors representing five public constituencies. These are elected by public members of the Foundation Trust. A map of our constituencies is at Appendix 1.

Reading (x5)

East Berkshire & Borders (x3)

West Berkshire & Borders (x3)

Southern Oxfordshire (x1)

Wokingham (x3)

Trust volunteers also elect a Governor

The five staff Governors represent all the major staff groups:

Healthcare Assistant/Ancillary

Admin/Management

Medical/Dental

Allied Health Professionals/Scientific

Nursing/Midwifery

The eight appointed partner Governors are nominated by key stakeholders. These are:

Berkshire West Federation of Clinical Commissioning Groups

Berkshire East Federation of Clinical Commissioning Groups

Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality

Berkshire Carers Service

Reading Borough Council

Wokingham Borough Council

West Berkshire Council

University of Reading or University of West London

Foundation Trusts are given a licence to operate by a regulator, NHS Improvement. We are also regulated by the Care Quality Commission which gives us a registration to practice.

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3 What do Governors do?

The Health and Social Care Act 2012 sets out a number of statutory duties for Governors, which include;

a) Appointing and, if appropriate, removing the chair and other non executive directors; b) Deciding the remuneration and allowances and other terms and conditions of office

of the chair and the other non-executive directors c) Approving any new appointment of a Chief Executive d) Holding the non-executive directors, individually and collectively, to account for the

performance of the Board of Directors e) Representing the interests of the members of the trust as a whole and the interests

of the public f) Appointing the Trust’s auditors g) Receiving the Annual Report and Accounts h) Approving amendments to the Trust’s Constitution

The Governors’ duty to hold the non executive directors, individually and collectively, to account for the performance of the Board of Directors does not mean that Governors are responsible for decisions taken by the Board on behalf of the Trust. Responsibility for those decisions remains with the Board. The Trust may allow Governors to become involved in areas not covered by the legislation. However, they do not play an operational role within the Trust.

Types of activity Governors may be involved with include:

Developing and reviewing the membership strategy to make sure that levels of representation and engagement are maintained and increased as appropriate

Holding constituency meetings to communicate with members and understand members’ views

As a Governor you would need to make time available to attend meetings and to talk to members and the public. More detail is set out in the role description attached at Appendix 2.

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4 Council Committees

The Council of Governors has set up several groups to help it deliver its objectives. How Governors hold the non-executive directors to account may change from time to time.

Membership Committee:

Develops, implements and reviews the membership strategy for the Trust

Implements plans for engaging with the membership community

Recommends and reviews relationships and methods of communicating between Governors and the membership

Reviews the membership of the Trust to ensure it is representative of those eligible to be members

Oversees preparations for the Annual Members Meeting The Nominations and Remuneration Committee:

Makes recommendations to the Council on the appointment of Non-Executive Directors

Recommends to the Council of Governors, the terms and conditions, including remuneration and allowances, of Non-Executive Directors

Reviews protocols for the approval of Chief Executive, appraisal of the Chairman and Non Executive Directors and appointment of Non-Executive Directors

Strategy Committee:

The Committee makes recommendations to the Council of Governors on its annual strategic objectives and their implementation

The Committee leads on the Council’s input into the Trust’s strategic plans

The Committee monitors the effectiveness of the Council, its decision-making structures and the role of Governors

Clinical Assurance Committee:

Receives a range of assurance information submitted to the Board

Provides assurance to the Council of Governors in respect of the clinical performance and safety of the Trust

Council of Governors

Membership Committee

Nominations and Remuneration Committee

Clinical Assurance Committee

Strategy Committee Business Assurance Committee

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Business Assurance Committee:

Receives information to assist holding non-executive directors to account

Provides assurance to the Council of Governors in respect of the financial and business performance of the Trust

5 Achievements of Governors Since the Council’s inception in 2006, Governors have achieved a significant amount, including: Statutory duties

Appointed or reappointed non-executive directors

Appointed a new Chairman

Approved the appointment of a Chief Executive

Appointed external auditors

Significant involvement in developing the Trust strategy Membership

Membership currently stands at approximately 9,000 (4,500 public members).

Throughout the year members are invited to tour various hospital departments and attend events such as seminars on cardiology and dementia

Each constituency has an annual seminar in their area. This is on a specific topic; previous seminars have included pain management, dementia and radiotherapy Governors are also encouraged to host an annual talk in their constituency about the Trust

Every year there is a Members Open Day.

‘Pulse’ our members’ newsletter is published online four times a year. This is packed full of the latest Trust news and events

More information about being a member of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust can be found on www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/get-involved/members

External relationships

Our Governors have regularly been asked to visit new and aspirant foundation trusts to give help and advice

6 Induction and Continuing Support for Governors An induction programme is available and incorporates a number of elements. - A Governor resource pack - each Governor is given a pack including copies of a

governance handbook, Trust structure charts and administrative information. They also

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receive a code of conduct and further detail on their roles and responsibilities, including Monitor’s publication on the statutory duties of Governors.

- A formal induction session - Governors will be expected to attend a formal induction

covering the following areas: o Background and introduction to the Trust and the wider NHS o The concept and principles of NHS Foundation Trusts o The workings of the Council of Governors and Board of Directors, procedures for

meetings and contributing to agendas. The Council of Governors, as individuals or as a collective group, may seek additional training or skills. An in-house training plan for Governors has been developed and Governors are encouraged to attend national seminars and courses run by NHS Providers where appropriate. A hospital tour is arranged for the newly elected Governors as part of the main induction day. Tours of other Trust facilities can be arranged. Governors are actively encouraged to take part in and host membership events which cover a wide range of departments and services. Governors are encouraged to take part in the weekly ‘executive walkabouts’ where visits are made by directors to a hospital area and specialty. A regular programme of seminars is delivered for Governors. The subject matter for each is selected by the Governors themselves. These all form part of a comprehensive Governor training and development programme. All Governors are welcome to attend Board of Directors meetings as observers. The Board and the Council also hold joint meetings every quarter. The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust seeks to encourage Governors from all sections of society and will be sensitive to enable those with special needs who may be elected or nominated to carry out this role. 7 Who can stand as a Governor? Any member over 16 years old who lives or works within one of our constituencies is eligible to stand for election as a Governor. You would prepare an election statement and there would be a postal ballot in your area. All members in that public constituency or staff group would receive a ballot paper and choose their preferred candidate.

As a candidate you would be expected to stand for the constituency in which you live or work – for example if you live in Reading you would stand as one of the Reading Governors. There are detailed rules on the election process, appointment and eligibility of Governors – these will be given to you in the nomination pack if you wish to proceed.

All Governors are bound by our Trust Code of Conduct for Governors. Specific issues relating to confidentiality must be adhered to as defined in the constitution.

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8 Do I need any special skills or experience? Will I get paid?

You do not need any particular skills or experience. The Governors elected will be supported by Trust staff. You would be working alongside staff Governors and Governors appointed by local councils, other parts of the NHS and local charities or voluntary organisations. Under the regulations governing all Foundation Trusts, Governors can only be paid expenses, such as travelling costs.

9 Further Information and Next Steps

You can only stand when there is a vacancy and an election in your area although you can register your interest at any time. All vacancies will be widely advertised to the Trust’s membership community. Nomination packs would then be available on line and must be returned direct to the Trust’s election contractor – Electoral Reform Services.

If you are interested, please visit the ‘About the Trust’ section of the Trust’s website in the first instance. Details of how to apply are available at www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/elections Alternatively, email the Trust Secretary, caroline.lynch@royalberkshire.nhs.uk Telephone 0118 322 5335

10 Further reading Monitor https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/nhs-foundation-trusts-documents-and-guidance http://www.swast.nhs.uk/Downloads/SWASFT%20CoG/GovernorsGuide.pdf NHS Providers http://www.nhsproviders.org/home/

Appendix 1 – Trust Public Constituencies

ND – Grey/thick green borders are local authority areas. Green are public constituency boundaries.

Appendix 2

ROYAL BERKSHIRE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST

SECTION 1 - JOB DETAILS

Job Title: Governor

Area: Council of Governors

Location/Base: Trust-wide

SECTION 2 – JOB SUMMARY

A Governor is part of the Council of Governors and represents the interests of local communities, partners and Royal Berkshire NHS FT Members in the development of the organisation.

Governors are a key community and member link for the Trust. Governors are responsible for feeding back to the Trust, via the Council of Governors, the views and ideas of the members they represent. Governors will develop membership in two main ways: by overseeing the development and implementation of the Membership Strategy; and by direct engagement with Members.

The Council of Governors is responsible for ensuring that the Trust conducts its business in a way that reflects its purpose. Part of their role is making sure that the views of people who use the Trust’s services and local communities are taken into account when plans for services are being developed.

The Council of Governors is also expected to hold the non-executive directors to account for the performance of the Board of Directors. The Council of Governors, usually via the Lead Governor is entitled to inform NHS Improvement should there be any concerns about the leadership provided to the Trust which could not be resolved at a local level.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Individual Duties and Responsibilities

To abide by the Code of Conduct

To uphold the values of the Trust

To comply with the policies and procedures of the Trust including the Provider License Constitution.

To attend meetings of the Council of Governors, its Committees and Groups

To attend membership events held in their constituency and to develop mechanisms for eliciting the views of members in their area

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Collective Duties and Responsibilities as part of Council of Governors

Statutory Responsibilities

To hold the non-executive directors individually and collectively to account for the performance of the Board of Directors;

To represent the interests of the members as a whole and the interests of the public;

To appoint and if appropriate, remove the Chairman and the other non-executive Directors;

To approve an appointment (by the non-executive Directors) of the chief executive;

To decide the remuneration and allowances, and the other terms and conditions of office, of the non-executive Directors;

To appoint and if appropriate remove the Trust’s auditor;

To be presented with the annual accounts, any report of the auditor on them and the annual report at a general meeting of the Council of Governors

To provide their views to the Board of Directors when the Board of Directors is preparing the document containing information about the Trust’s forward planning;

Approve amendments to the Constitution

Approve ‘significant transactions’

Approve an application by the Trust to enter into a merger, acquisition, separation or dissolution

Decide whether the Trust’s non-NHS work would significantly interfere with its principle purpose which is to provide goods and services for the health service in England, or performing other functions

Other Responsibilities

To represent the interests of the local community, including the people who use the Trust’s services and their carers.

To act as a Trust representative in the community providing talks to local groups and at community events

To act as a source of ideas about how the Trust can provide its services in a way that meets the needs of the communities it serves

To oversee the Foundation Trust’s Membership Strategy and encourage membership

To be potentially part of key committees:

o Business Assurance Committee

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o Clinical Assurance Committee o Strategy Committee o Membership Committee o Nominations and Remuneration Committee

COMMITMENT

It is difficult to gauge the time commitment which will be required from Governors and, in part, this will depend on how much time Governors can devote to the role.

The Council of Governors meets 4 times per year and there will also be other formal and informal meetings.

A Governor is required to attend at least two Council meetings per year and might expect to attend another eight formal and informal meetings.

FEEDBACK

Group and individual development needs will be identified through the activities undertaken and the outcomes achieved.

The performance of the Council as a collective group will be evaluated so as to inform the future development requirements and priorities of tasks undertaken by the Council.

CONDUCT

Governors are ambassadors of the Trust and must at all times comply with the Council of Governors’ Code of Conduct.

Where a Governor conducts him or herself in a manner that breaches the code of conduct or otherwise brings the trust into disrepute, adversely affects public confidence in, or prejudices the work of the trust, they will be deemed to be in breach of the terms of their office.