|
1. Will elections for governors be annual?
Yes. At the first election in March 2004, the term of office of elected governors were phased according to the number of votes they received. The maximum number of years they will serve is three, then two then one.
We have organised this so that at each election there will be the opportunity to elect new members in each of the three constituencies: patient, public and staff.
In subsequent elections elected candidates will all serve a three-year term.
Back to top
2. What information will members be given to decide between candidates?
Members are sent a ballot paper by the Electoral Reform Ballot Service Limited. This organisation has over 150-years' experience in running elections in a fair and transparent way.
This ballot paper contains information about all of the candidates standing in a particular constituency (ie 'public', 'staff' or 'patient'). There is a photograph and a statement of no more than 150 words for each candidate. We also hold some 'meet the candidates' events (see our main calendar).
People who stand to be a governor also sign a declaration of interests eg membership of a political party. Any interests they declare are detailed on the ballot paper.
Back to top
3. How many votes did members have?
Each member has the same number of votes as the number of governors to be elected in that constituency.
Members mark a cross next to the names of the individuals they wish to elect on the ballot paper.
Back to top
4. Will the elections be 'first-past-the-post'?
Yes. Those candidates who get the most number of votes will be elected ie, in 2004, a total of four governors for staff, eight governors for patients and seven governors for public constituencies.
Back to top
5. How can I elect?
To participate in the elections, you need to become a member of the NHS Foundation Trust.
Patient and public members need to complete a membership form. Staff members are automatically entered into our list, unless they opt out.
For patient and public members, a ballot paper is sent to the address they gave on the form. For staff members, they will receive a ballot paper at work. These ballot papers need to be returned promptly to the address given.
|
