NHS Trust looking for local people to become representatives on its Members’ Council

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which provides mental health and learning disability services to people in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield, is holding elections to fill four public places on its Members’ Council.

The Members’ Council was established to represent the views of the Trust’s 14,000 members and help the Trust reach decisions. The Council’s role is to make sure that the board of directors, which retains responsibility for the day to day running of the Trust, is accountable to the local community.

The Members’ Council is made up of 20 elected representatives of public members, 7 elected representatives of staff members and 12 nominated members from key local partner organisations.

The Trust is looking for its members to stand for four public governors in the following constituencies: • Calderdale – 1 seat • Kirklees – 2 seats • Wakefield – 1 seat

There is also a seat open to Trust staff who work in psychological therapies.

The Trust’s chair Joyce Catterick said, "Our Trust is a dynamic, forward-thinking organisation that aims to continually provide high quality care. The Members’ Council is a vital part of the Trust as it ensures members are involved in improvements to services and that local people have a continued voice in the organisation to influence decisions. I’d really like to encourage our local members to stand for election."

To make sure that the elections are completely independent and transparent, the Trust does not have any part in them. Instead the Electoral Reform Service (ERS) is conducting the elections. Charlene Hannon from the ERS can be contacted on 0208 365 8909 to answer any questions about the elections.

To stand for election, please obtain and complete a nomination form from: Electoral Reform Services Limited, The Election Centre, 33 Clarendon Road London, N8 0NW, Tel: 0208 889 9203 Nomination papers must be returned to ERS by 12 noon on Monday 28th February 2011.

All public members of the Trust will get the opportunity to vote and ballot papers will be distributed to qualifying members on Tuesday 22nd March 2011. Completed ballot papers must be received by ERS by 12 noon on Thursday 14th April 2011.

If any local people would like to join the Trust as a member so they can then stand or vote in the elections, call 01924 327567 or email membership@swyt.nhs.uk

To find out more about the Members’ Council or becoming a member, visit the Trust’s website www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk