Council of Governors
Governors are elected or appointed individuals who represent the interests of members and the public. They sit on the Council of Governors, which works alongside the Board of Directors to oversee the Trust’s activities. Governors act as a bridge between the Trust and the communities it serves. They gather views from members and the public, present these to the Board, and contribute to decisions reflect community needs.
Responsibilities and duties of governors
Governors have several key responsibilities, including:
- Holding the Board of Directors to account through non executive directors for the performance of the Trust
- Representing the interests of members and the public
- Approving significant transactions and appointments
- Providing feedback on the Trust’s strategic direction.
Types of governors
- Public governors: Elected by public members from specific constituencies
- Staff governors: Elected by staff members from various staff classes
- Appointed governors: Nominated by partner organisations, including local authorities and universities.
Profiles of our current governors
Our governors come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wealth of experience to their roles. They are committed to representing the interests of our members and the public, ensuring that the Trust remains accountable and responsive. Read about our current Council of Governors.
Elections for governors
Elections are held to ensure that governors are democratically chosen and truly represent the views of members and the public. They provide an opportunity for members to have a direct say in who represents them. Elections are held annually to fill vacancies and to ensure that the Council of Governors remains representative and effective. To stand for election, candidates must:
- Be a member of the Trust.
- Be aged 16 or over.
- Meet any specific eligibility criteria for the constituency they wish to represent.
The election process typically includes:
- Nominations: Members nominate themselves or others to stand for election.
- Campaigning: Candidates promote their vision and engage with members.
- Voting: Members vote for their preferred candidates.
- Results: Elected governors are announced and take up their roles.
The 2025 elections
Nominations for our governor elections are now open with voting taking place in August 2025. Results will be announced in late September.
Members can then vote for governors online or by post, depending on the election process. Voting is conducted by an independent organisation to ensure fairness and transparency. Find out how to become a member.
Areas our governors serve
Our membership is open to residents who live within the following areas, with members being able to select representatives for their areas on the Council of Governors. The areas our governors serve are:
- Chester and rural Cheshire
- Crewe and Nantwich
- Ellesmere Port and Neston
- Flintshire
- Halton
- Vale Royal
- Wirral
- Wrexham
Meet your governors
If you would like to contact the governor for your area or request a membership form, please email coch.membershipenquiriescoch@nhs.net or telephone 01244366429.