Annual Report and Accounts - The Great Western Hospital

In addition, in preparing the Trust’s annual plan, the Board of Directors must have regard to the views
of the Council of Governors. Furthermore, the Council of Governors receives the quality reports.
The Chairman of the Council of Governors is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors and he
provides a link between the two, supported by the Company Secretary.
Referred to elsewhere in this report (section 5.2.7 refers) are the powers reserved to the Board of
Directors which provides details of the types of decisions made by the Board. In addition the Board
has agreed a Scheme of Delegation which sets out those decisions which are delegated to
management. A copy of the Scheme is available from the Company Secretary.
5.1.10 Statement setting out the steps that members of the Board of
Directors, in particular the Non-Executive Directors have taken to
understand the views of governors and members
The Board of Directors Board has taken the following steps to understand the views of governors and
members: -
Non-Executive Director attendance at Council of Governors Meetings – During 2011/12 Non-
Executive Directors attended Council of Governor meetings which enabled them to listen to Governor’s
concerns.
Presentation by Non-Executive Directors to Governors - Three Non-Executive Directors, being the
Chair’s of Board Committees have each made a presentation to the Council of Governors on the role
and work of the Committee and this has provided an opportunity for Governors to express their views
and question the Non-Executive Directors.
Joint Board of Directors and Council of Governors Meeting - In order to ensure meaningful
engagement between the Board of Directors and the Council of Governors, the Trust holds at least
one joint meeting per year. These meetings are public meetings allowing the Board the opportunity to
hear the view of the Governors and the Members first hand. It also provides an opportunity for the
Directors to advise the governors directly of any issues or answer any questions or concerns or
enquiries. The governors are able to hold the Board of Directors to account for its actions.
Joint Board of Directors and Council of Governor Workshop – To allow an open discussion about
future strategy a joint workshop was held in September 2011. Directors sought the views of governors
on what role they could play in the development and delivery of strategy. This was further expanded
upon with a presentation to a Council of Governor’s meeting in March 2012 and further discussion is
planned in April 2012.
Joint Board of Directors and Council of Governors Training – A training session was held in
January 2012 for the Board of Directors and the Council of Governors to discuss and considered the
roles of the governors, those of the directors and future working in the light of pending legislation. This
provided an opportunity for the whole Board, including the Non-Executive Directors to engage with the
governors and to better understand their views and concerns about future roles and responsibilities.
Constituency meetings – To provide a forum for members to meet the governors, the Trust hosts
meetings in each constituency. These are held throughout the year in publicly accessible local
venues, where members are invited to attend to discuss relevant issues or topics of specific interest.
The Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors attend these meetings to listen to the
debate, take on board the comments made and answer any questions or add any additional
information.
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