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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 Susan Scarsbrook MBE

Susan Scarsbrook MBE

Job title Carer Governor
About

I am in my second term as a Carer Governor with SLaM. Since 2020 I have shared the role of Lead Governor.

We are fortunate to have a knowledgeable and active Council of Governors and are very well supported by Corporate Affairs. In these challenging times Lead Governors should be able to help maintain a straight forward, established structure to allow the CoG to function to the best of its ability; if necessary, support individual governors to raise concerns which hold our NEDs (non-Executive Directors) to account and help ensure that all governors feel involved.

I can offer clear skills in communication and a deep interest in the continuing progress of the Trust for patients, staff and carers. As well as attending the CoG, its committee meetings and the Board, I am an active member in the SUCAG (Service Users and Carers group) of the Psychological Medicine and Mental Health of Older Adults and Dementia Operations Directorate (PMOA). This gives me a deeper perspective on aspects of the Trust of which a governor may not be aware. I am particularly keen to promote the programme of virtual visits organised for governors in the absence of face-to-face experiences.

I made early links with the Lead Governors’ Association which covers Acute and Foundation Trusts in SE England. It is illuminating and helpful to hear arrangements and support in place for other CoGs, and to discuss the shared challenges we may face.

My background is in Education. I have worked and lived in Lambeth since 1964 and have deep connections with the community. Over the last 4 years I have learned so much from governors with a personal and working knowledge of the Trust. I believe I am a pragmatic person and that this is a valuable skill to have when supporting a complex and important organisation such as SLaM.

I see my main role as helping to ensure that any decisions taken by leaders of the Trust are fully informed by the real experiences of those most in need of help - carers and service users.

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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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