Published on: Tuesday 21st February 2023

Are you passionate about healthcare in your area? Would you like to contribute to improving the mental health, learning disability and drug and alcohol services in the local community? If the answer is yes, you can now apply to be Governor at our Trust.

This year, there are 10 Governors’ seats up for re-election, with six of these open to the public. Our Governors play a vital role in the effectiveness of the Trust. They hold our Board to account on performance, and ensure the views of people who use services, their carers and families, and those who live locally are represented. The six public roles are for the following constituencies: North West Surrey, South West Surrey, East and Mid Surrey, Hampshire. You may have used our services, care for someone who has used our services or just have an interest in improving local services. You must live in Surrey or North East Hampshire to apply for a governor role.

Public meetings are held four times a year and the duties of our Governors include:
•    Appointing or removing the Chair and Non-Executive Directors
•    Approving the appointment of the Chief Executive
•    Representing the interests of our members and the public at large
•    Appointing the Trust’s auditors and receiving audit reports
•    Scrutinising the Trust’s annual plans

More information about the role of Governor can be found on our website. You can also attend one of our drop-in sessions to learn more about the role and get help to fill in your nomination form.

Face-to-face sessions are available:

  • Thursday, 2 March 2-4pm: Farnham Road Hospital Reception, Farnham Road, Guildford
  • Wednesday, 8 March 11am-1pm: Theta Reception, Lyon Way, Frimley

There are also virtual sessions available:

  • Tuesday, 28 February 3-5pm
  • Friday, 3 March 10am-12pm

To attend one of the virtual sessions please email michaela.lockley@sabp.nhs.uk.

To nominate yourself for Governor you must be a member of the Trust: membership is free and the process is quick and very easy to complete online. The nomination form will ask you to say why you want to be a governor and tell us what skills and experience you can bring to role. 

For more information about this year’s election and to nominate yourself, please visit our special election website. Applications close on 9 March.