Our Foundation Trust
Delivering healthcare, shaped by local communities
NHS Foundation Trusts are a vital part of the NHS in England. They are independent, not-for-profit public organisations that provide healthcare services in hospitals, mental health units, community clinics, and specialist centres.
How Foundation Trusts work
NHS Foundation Trusts were established to bring decision-making closer to patients and the public. Each Foundation Trust is accountable to:
- The local communities it serves
- Its members and its Council of Governors
- NHS England and other regulators
Foundation Trusts are both part of the national health system and rooted in the communities they serve. They must meet high standards of care, quality, and financial performance, while also listening and adapting to local needs.
Key features of Foundation Trusts
- Community membership and engagement: Local people, patients, and staff can become members and elect governors, ensuring that community voices are heard and reflected in Trust decisions.
- Local accountability: A Council of Governors, made up of elected members and appointed representatives, works alongside the Board of Directors to ensure the Trust remains accountable to the public.
Our members
Members are individuals who choose to support our Trust and have a stake in its future. They can be patients, carers, staff, or members of the public. Through membership, individuals gain a voice in the Trust’s activities and governance.
Get involved
You don’t need to be a healthcare professional to make a difference. By becoming a member of your local Foundation Trust, you can:
- Stay informed about developments in your area
- Attend health talks and events
- Vote in or stand for governor elections
- Help shape the future of your NHS.
Find out how to become a member
What does being a member mean?
Joining your local NHS Foundation Trust is more than just signing up – it’s being part of a community focused on improving healthcare for our patients.
Being a member means having a voice in the Trust’s activities. Members receive regular updates, can attend events, and have the opportunity to stand for election as a governor.
Members help shape how services are delivered, have a say in key decisions, and play a vital role in holding the Trust to account.
Benefits and responsibilities of membership
- Benefits: Stay informed about Trust activities, receive invitations to events, and have a say in the Trust’s direction.
- Responsibilities: Engage with the Trust, provide feedback, and participate in elections to ensure representation.
Member events and communications
Members are invited to events such as annual members’ meetings which provide opportunities to meet other members or governors and our senior leaders, ask questions, and learn more about the Trust’s work.
The best way to receive our communications is to become a member. As with many Trusts we are focussing on digital communications which provides quicker and more frequent opportunities to communicate. All we need is an email address and you will start to receive our updates directly to your inbox.
What you can expect as a member
- Receive regular news and updates about the Trust
- Be invited to health talks, member events, and open days
- Help shape services through surveys and consultations
- Vote in governor elections – or stand as a governor yourself.
Your voice matters
Whether you’re a patient, carer, staff member or someone who values the NHS, becoming a member means you’re helping to build a stronger, more responsive health service for everyone.
Join us today
Membership is free, open to anyone aged 11 or over, and takes just a few minutes to complete.
Click here to join
Request a paper application form by contacting our Membership Office:
- Email: coch.membershipenquiriescoch@nhs.net
- Call: 01244 366 429