Local NHS Trust inviting people to join members’ council
Local people are being invited to make a difference to the future of healthcare in Yorkshire by standing for election.
South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which provides community, mental health and learning disability services to people in Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield, has a number of public vacancies available on its members’ council.
The members’ council represents the views of the Trust’s 16,000 members and ensures that the board of directors, which retains responsibility for the day to day running of the Trust, is accountable to the local community.
The council is made up of publicly elected members, elected staff representatives and appointed representatives from key local partner organisations. The council formally meets a minimum of four times a year.
The Trust is now inviting members to stand for election in the following constituencies:
• Barnsley: 1 seat
• Calderdale: 2 seats
• Kirklees: 3 seats
• Wakefield: 2 seats
• Rest of South and West Yorkshire: 1 seat
Trust staff are also being encouraged to stand for election to vacant staff seats.
To make sure that the elections are completely independent and transparent, they are conducted by the ERS. You can contact ERS with any questions about the elections on 0208 889 9203.
Nominations to stand for election are open now. To stand for election, contact Electoral Reform Services (ERS) for a nomination form, or visit www.ersvotes.com/swyp.
All nominations for people wishing to stand in the elections must be received by 5pm on Monday 17 March 2016.
Chief executive Steven Michael OBE said: “The members’ council is a vital part of the Trust, helping us to make sure that we undertake our duties in line with our mission and values.
“If you’re passionate about healthcare and would like to make a difference to local NHS services provided by our Trust, why not stand in our election? It’s a great opportunity for you to influence our plans and be a voice for the local communities we serve.”
Individuals must be members of the Trust to be eligible to stand for election.
To become a member so that you can stand or vote in the upcoming elections contact the Trust’s membership office on 01924 327567 or email membership@swyt.nhs.uk.
To find out more about the members’ council elections or becoming a member, visit www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk