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Our Governors

Our Council of Governors acts as a link between service users, carers, staff, the general public and the Trust's Board of Directors.

They support the Board of Directors in setting the long-term vision for our organisation, and hold the non-executive directors to account for the actions of the Board. Our Board of Directors has a duty to consult, and listen to the views of, the Council of Governors.

Photo of Rhoda Dakar

Rhoda Dakar

Job title Service User Governor
About

I am a musician, teacher, activist and service user. I have been chair of two local community groups, one currently. I am a patron of the Music Venue Trust and an ambassador for Tonic Music for Mental Health.

As a service user and music tutor on the Raw Sounds project for those using mental health services, I have seen some excellent practice at the Trust and also some that was found wanting, both in the community and on wards.

I thought instead of writing my usual letters of praise and complaint (yes, I do both), I now have ten years’ experience at the sharp end which I could put to better use. As a serial former committee member (three different PTAs, plus others), I thought I could be effective in this role. I have been appointed chair of organisations, as I am willing to advocate strongly on behalf of those I represent. Though I have often spoken truth to power, I am unafraid to speak the truth whenever necessary. If I am shown to be wrong, I am happy to admit it. For me there is no point maintaining a position, when research and practice are in a state of flux.

An organisation like South London and Maudsley must be able to move forward and embrace change where necessary. I like the opportunity to support it in doing so, whilst representing the interests of service users, in order that we remain at the centre of the Trust's focus.

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Contact your governors

If you have a question for your governors, please email governors@slam.nhs.uk

The Council of Governors is made up of:

  • Appointed members from organisations that the Trust works with
  • People who use the Trust's services elected by our membership
  • Carers of people who use the Trust's services elected by our membership
  • Members of the public elected by our membership
  • Members of staff elected by our membership

The Council's responsibilities include:

  • Appointing the Chair and other non-executive directors
  • Removing, if three quarters of the council of governors decide that it is necessary, the chair or other non-executive directors
  • Approving, by a majority, the appointment of the Chief Executive by the non-executive directors
  • Appointing or removing the Trust's auditor
  • Supporting and engaging with the Trust board
  • Holding the non-executive directors to account for the performance of the Trust Board
  • Representing the interests of the members of the Trust as a whole and the interests of the public
  • Approving 'significant transactions'
  • Deciding whether non-NHS work would significantly impact on the Trust's core role
  • Approving, by an overall majority, an application by the Trust to enter into a merger, acquisition, separation or dissolution
  • Approving amendments to the Trust's constitution

Governors review

The governors review includes information about the role of governors and their activities over the preceding year:
Governors review 2020-21 (PDF)

How to become a governor

Governors are elected to the Council of Governors from the public, service user, carer and staff constituencies. Elected governors serve a three-year term on the Council of Governors. Governors are also appointed by partner organisations. 

If you are interested in becoming a governor, vacancies will be advertised here or you can contact us to find our more via governors@slam.nhs.uk

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