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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 Philippa Lalor

Philippa Lalor

Job title Service User Governor
About

I have been a mental health service user for 16 years, 10 of which I spent consecutively inpatient in a variety of wards and hospitals from acute and PICU wards to specialist services and low secure. Since being discharged in 2013, I have used ongoing outpatient services as well as having many shorter ‘crisis’ admissions all across the Trust.

My experiences meant I have seen some of the best and the worst bits of the mental health system. It surprised me how shockingly different practices can be.

I have been part of Agenda’s Campaign for Change, which led in part to Seni’s Law being passed in 2018, to reduce the use of force in mental health hospitals. I also recently joined in Shelter’s campaign to end discrimination against DSS tenants, a problem that can leave many of us using the Trust's services, who cannot work, facing homelessness. Part of this campaign involved presenting to a select committee into the issue in parliament.

I tell my story, or parts of it in Trust training, sharing what helped and am currently a service user representative on the trustwide Mental Health Law Committee.

I am passionate about better mental health care for all and representing the voice and rights of those who use this service.

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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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