FAQs about our membership scheme
If your question isn’t answered here, please email [email protected] and we will try our best to answer it.
Why have you chosen 13 as the minimum age for membership?
We believe that it is important to represent all of the public members that we serve including young adults. The views of all of our members are equally important on the Trust’s journey.
We also recognise that those finishing school and starting college are the healthcare professionals of the future and we want to make sure that they get a chance to become really involved in the Trust and share their views.
Why have you chosen 16 as the minimum age for being a governor?
Sixteen is the youngest age we could set as our minimum for governors. We feel that, as we provide a large number of services to young adults, they should also have the opportunity to shape our services and have their say.
I am already a member of another local Foundation Trust. Can I be a member of your Foundation Trust?
Yes, as long as you live in Wirral, Neston in one of our proposed constituencies including Cheshire East, you can become a member of our Trust, whether or not you are a member of another Foundation Trust.
What does Foundation Trust status mean for staff?
Because of the importance we place upon our staff we want them to be automatically included as a member if they:
- Are employed by the Trust on a permanent basis
- Or, have a fixed term contract of more than a year
- Or, have been continuously employed by the Trust for more than 12 months
Our staff can ‘opt out’ of automatic membership if they want to. Staff can also be involved in all of the same activities as public members
Can I become a governor for more than one FT?
Not usually, but it is sometimes possible. It would depend on the constitution of both organisations.
Are governors paid?
No. The work taken on by Governors is voluntary, but they are provided with the training and support they need to fulfil their role effectively and some expenses will be paid.
Will I be treated any differently as a patient if I am a member or governor?
No. All patients are equal and, as such, all have the right to receive the same quality of care. This is the case for any patient whether they are a member or governor or neither.
What is the difference between a Non-Executive Director and a governor?
Non-Executives are paid to ‘shadow’ the Executive Directors and make sure that the Trust runs effectively and smoothly as a business.
A governor is a voluntary role. Governors make sure that the Trust is accountable to its public and staff. They also make sure the views of those groups are heard by the Board of Directors.
