A unique opportunity to influence the future of healthcare in the county is now available, as North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) is looking for 21 new governors.

Following the merger of North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust and Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust earlier this month, this is now the first time that the public have had an opportunity to become a governor of the newly formed Trust. NCIC manages both acute and community services, including maternity, stroke and A&E. This means there are lots of opportunities to get involved and help shape the future direction of the Trust and the services it runs. 

The Trust is looking for individuals to become involved and nominate themselves to become part of the NCIC Governors Council. This is a great opportunity to have a say in what is happening in your local community and to feedback your views directly to the Board of Directors.

Carole Woodman, governor at NCIC, said:

“It is a very exciting time to join NCIC as a governor, the Trust's merger is a step closer to the integrated health and social care we need. As an elected governor for Copeland I have been able to raise issues with the Board that have led to improved outcomes for local members. The opportunity to be involved in Integrated Care Communities and Workshops has been valuable. I had the opportunity to take part in a visit to CIC maternity unit, to see the improvements and challenges faced first hand. The role is challenging and we will need to work harder in the future to engage better with members of the community but the governor role is a great opportunity to positively influence our local NHS.”

Professor Robin Talbot, Chair at NCIC, said:

“Governors are a really important part of a Foundation Trust and play a vital role in helping to shape and monitor the Trust’s services. Governors bring valuable insights and experiences to our services and ensure that the NHS is accountable to its local population.

“As a governor you take part in a number of meetings and will be invited to take part in visits to our services alongside Non-Executive Directors. Very importantly, you appoint the Chair and Non-Executive Directors and hold them to account for the performance of the Board of Directors. You also represent the interests and views of our members and of the public.”

Those interested in nominating themselves can do so by completing the nomination form online https://www.mi-nomination.com/ncic or can request a paper version by contacting the Returning Officer.

The role description includes:

  • Represent the interests of the members of the Trust as a whole and the interests of the public
  • Hold the Non-Executive Directors to account for the performance of the Board of Directors
  • Appoint, remove and decide the terms of office, including remuneration, of the Chair and other Non-Executive Directors
  • Appoint or remove the Trust’s External Auditors
  • Review the annual accounts, auditor’s report and annual report
  • Express a view on the Board of Directors’ forward plans 

The vacancies include:

  • 3 x Public Allerdale
  • 4 x Public Carlisle
  • 4 x Public Copeland
  • 1 x Public Eden
  • 2 x Public Furness
  • 1 x Public North East England
  • 1 x Public South Lakeland
  • 2 x Staff Allerdale & Copeland
  • 2 x Staff Carlisle & Eden
  • 1 x Staff Furness & South Lakeland

The deadline for receipt of nominations is Monday 11th November. Once the nomination deadline closes, all nominations will be reviewed and if there are multiple nominees per constituency a ballot pack will be sent to out Trust members who will then vote. Voting closes on Thursday 19th December. An announcement of the elected governors will then be made.

All governors are volunteers; however travel expenses will be reimbursed.

To stand for election you must be a member of North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust within the Public Constituency or Class of the Staff Constituency for which you wish to stand as a candidate. If you are unsure, please contact the Returning Office or visit https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council to check your local authority area.

Existing members will be receiving information either via email or through the post on how they can stand as a governor.