Make a difference on our Members’ Council
Local people are being invited to make a difference to the future of NHS services in Yorkshire by standing for election to the Members’ Council of South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
The Trust provides community, mental health and learning disability services to 1.2 million people in Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. It now has a number of public vacancies available on its Members’ Council. The Council represents the views of the Trust’s 16,500 members and ensures that the board of directors is accountable to the local community.
Chief executive Rob Webster said: “Our Members’ Council plays an essential role at our Trust, as we seek to make the organisation feel owned by the staff and accountable to the public.
“Standing for election to our Members’ Council is a great opportunity for you to be the voice of your communities and have a say on how local healthcare services are provided. I’d encourage anyone who wants to get more involved with our work and make a difference to apply.”
The Council is made up of elected public members, elected staff representatives and appointed representatives from local partner organisations. Public members are in the majority and help govern the Trust. 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: 2 seats
Calderdale: 1 seat
Kirklees: 2 seats
Wakefield: 2 seats
Rest of South and West Yorkshire: 1 seat
To make sure that the elections are completely independent and transparent, they are conducted by the Electoral Reform Society. 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/swyp2017
All nominations for people wishing to stand in the elections must be received by 5pm on Thursday 2 March 2017.
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