NHS Foundation Trust
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an NHS Foundation Trust?
As an NHS Foundation Trust we will remain firmly part of the NHS, but will have more freedom from central government control. We will have the ability to be more responsive to the health needs of our population, and in addition retain any financial surplus to reinvest in locally-agreed priorities.
NHS foundation trusts are accountable to local people through an elected council of governors. They continue to be fully part of the National Health Service (NHS) and provide services to patients on the basis of need and not ability to pay. Staff continue to be part of the NHS workforce.
Why become an NHS Foundation Trust?
NHS foundation trusts are still firmly part of the NHS, still meeting national quality standards, but they have more freedom from central Government Control.
Through the Council of Governors and members, NHS foundation trusts are able to establish stronger connections with local communities, staff and patients who can get involved with plans for the future.
Becoming an NHS Foundation Trust would enable us to:
- Build on our strategy “where the needs of the patients always come first”, making it a consistent reality and not just a promise
- Continue to make improvements in the care we offer by forging deeper relationships with the community via our Council of Governors, who provide a more democratic and formalised way for local people to have a say on developments in the future
- Retain any financial surpluses to support the development of local services
- Have greater freedom and flexibility to respond to local priorities without the need for central Government authorisation and be more responsive to the health needs of our local population as it grows and changes
- Strengthen partnerships and join working with local communities and other organisations
- Increase the contribution that staff have in future decision-making by having staff members and governors.
We want to bring these freedoms and benefits to you - by becoming a member of the Trust you will be able to get more involved and have stronger voice in how our services are run in the future and how we can best meet your expectations.
Does it mean we are opting out of the NHS?
No. NHS foundation trusts are still part of the NHS 'family' and subject to NHS quality standards, performance targets and systems of inspection. They treat NHS patients but will be controlled and run locally rather than nationally.
There are safeguards to ensure they continue to provide NHS services. They are also bound by a legal duty to work in co-operation with others, such as primary care trusts (PCTs), to improve the quality of healthcare throughout the NHS.
What differences will it make to the Trust? Why do we want to change?
Having local people, patients and staff on the council of governors encourages the Trust to concentrate more on the needs of its local communities. NHS foundation trusts have more financial freedoms to develop their services in the way they want; for example retaining any surpluses at the end of a financial year or raising capital money outside the current lengthy NHS approval processes.
How will local people become more involved in the running of the Trust?
NHS foundation trusts are democratic. Local people have the chance to become members and these members will elect their representatives to serve on the council of governors. They have an absolute majority. The council of governors holds the board of directors to account, electing the chair and non-executive members of the Board, and approving the appointment of the chief executive.
Will the change to NHS Foundation Trust status be permanent? Would we need to reapply after a few years? Would it change if we had a change of government?
Becoming an NHS Foundation Trust involves a legal change to our organisational status. We will not need to reapply. It is not likely to change with a new government. NHS foundation trusts do still need to comply with a regulatory framework of compliance which is assessed by Monitor.
What happens if NHS Foundation Trust status doesn't work out?
Monitor's role is to work alongside the Trust to make sure it does work. Where Monitor has serious concerns that an individual NHS Foundation Trust is in breach of its terms of authorisation, they will have statutory powers to intervene and take action to prevent problems in the future.
Is there a financial risk?
Becoming an NHS Foundation Trust brings greater transparency. The real benefits of being able to borrow, invest and retain surpluses are balanced by the need to operate in surplus – if the NHS Foundation Trust overspends it must borrow and prove that it can pay the money back.
It must always operate in a way which allows it to have enough cash to meet it’s obligations. These rules make sense.
If I am a member and the NHS Foundation Trust “goes bust” is there a personal risk to me?
Absolutely not. No you are in no way personally liable if the Trust does not fulfil it’s financial obligations.
What is the minimum age for becoming a member and a governor?
The minimum age for a member is 16.
The minimum age for a governor is 18.
What is the role of a governor?
Please click here to see more information about the role of a governor.
Can staff become a governor?
Yes – there is a position for a staff governor and staff members will be involved in the election process in the same way as our public members.
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