People across Keighley are being urged to have a greater say on shaping the future of their local healthcare services by becoming a public Governor of Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust provides award-winning community health, mental health and social care services for people across the Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven districts.

People can stand for election for a public governor vacancy for the area they live in. There is currently a Public Governor Vacancy in Keighley covering Keighley Central, Keighley East, Keighley West, the Worth Valley and Ilkley.

The Trust is encouraging people who have an interest in healthcare and who want to help shape the future of mental health and community health services to consider becoming a public Governor of its Keighley constituency. Nominations open, Monday 1 August.  Anyone aged 16 or above can apply for this governor role. No qualifications are needed but a passion for health services is essential.  To stand for election to become a Governor you must be a member of the Care Trust.

Michael Smith, Chairman at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “If you’ve recently been thinking about doing something which makes a difference to local people or wondering about opportunities to develop your skills, the role of a Foundation Trust Governor could provide you with this opportunity.

“It’s important that we have a strong representation of local people on our Council of Governors. Members of the public, who are Governors, tell us what local people think about our services which helps us to improve the care we provide. If you have a strong interest in our services, want to represent local people, be part of an enthusiastic and committed Council of Governors and help to develop our future plans then I would ask you to consider standing as a Public Governor.”

Public Governors work alongside Staff Governors and Governors that represent other organisations and provide a strong link between Foundation Trust members, local communities and the Trust’s Board of Directors.

Although the role is voluntary, Governors are reimbursed for reasonable expenses such as travelling costs, whilst undertaking their duties.

The deadline for members to nominate themselves as a governor is 5pm on 30 August 2016 and elections will follow in September.  The successful candidate will formally take up their new post as a Governor in October.

To find out more about the Governor role please contact the Trust’s Membership office on 01274 228381or email at ft@bdct.nhs.uk to request a Governor Information pack.

ENDS