AH ANNUAL REPORT 2018

Board governance is supported by a number of
assurance committees which have oversight of key
activities:
• Clinical Quality Assurance Committee
• Resources and Business Development Committee
• Audit Committee
• Research, Education & Innovation Committee
• Workforce and Organisational Development
Committee
• Integrated Governance Committee
• Remuneration and Nominations Committee
Each assurance committee submits an annual report
to the Board describing how it has fulfilled its terms of
reference and work plan during the year; these are also
considered by the Audit Committee in the context of
its role on behalf of the Board to ensure that the Trust’s
control environment is effective and fit for purpose.
Non-Executive directors are appointed by the Council
of Governors at a general meeting, following a selection
process undertaken on behalf of the Council by its
Nominations Committee. The Council of Governors
has adopted a standard term of office of three years
for all Non-Executive appointments, in accordance
with the ‘NHS Foundation Trust Code of Governance.’
The Chairman and Non-Executive directors can also
be removed by the Council of Governors through
a process which is described in section 24 of the
Constitution.
Members can contact all governors and directors by
the following methods:
• In writing, care of the Committee Administrator, Alder
Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Eaton Road,
Liverpool, L12 2AP.
• By telephone on 0151 252 5128
• By email at membership@alderhey.nhs.uk
Independence of Non-Executive
Directors
The Board considers all of its current Non-Executive
Directors to be independent. All appointments and
re-appointments are made by the Council of Governors
specifically to meet the requirements set out in
Monitor’s ‘NHS Foundation Trust Code of Governance’.
Board Performance
Each member of the Board of Directors undergoes
an annual appraisal to review his or her performance
against agreed objectives, personal skills and
competencies and progress against personal
development plans. Since 2014/15 the Trust’s appraisal
process has included an assessment of how individuals
have performed in relation to the Trust’s values of
Excellence, Openness, Respect, Innovation and
Togetherness. Non-Executive Director assessments
and that of the Chief Executive are undertaken by the
Chair of the Trust and Executive Director performance
is assessed by the Chief Executive. The appraisal of the
Chair includes input from all Board members and the
Council of Governors, led by the Senior Independent
Director, working closely with the Lead Governor.
During 2017/18 the Board commissioned an external
well led review, the outcome of which is reported
elsewhere in this document. This process illustrates the
Board’s willingness to reflect upon its performance and
be held to account for its actions. It also reflects the
culture of openness and shared learning that the Board
has set for the Trust as a whole.
Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust 63
Annual Report & Accounts 2017/18