Governor elections 2025/26

From December, we will be running elections for new Governors to join our Council of Governors.

We’re looking for passionate, community-minded people who want to make a difference to their local ambulance services.

Ambulance crew pushing a stretcher into a house at a housing estate with an ambulance and RRV in the background

Notice of election

The elections are being managed by Civica Election Services. Nomination forms will be available from Tuesday 9 December on their website www.cesvotes.com/scas2026 or by contacting the Returning Officer:

 

Notice of Election

There are eight public governor vacancies across four geographical constituencies:

  • Berkshire – 1
  • Hampshire – 4
  • Oxfordshire – 2
  • Rest of England and Wales – 1

 The election will also appoint:

  • staff governor (NHS 111) – 1
  • staff governor (Corporate) – 1
  • Community First Responder (volunteer) governor – 1

To stand for election or to vote in the elections you must be a registered member of the Foundation Trust by 5pm on 8 January 2026.

The election timeline

  • 9 December 2025 to 8 January 2026
    applications open
  • 9 to 29 January 2026
    election materials prepared
  • 30 January to 24 February 2026
    voting open
  • 25 February 2026
    results published
  • 4 March 2026
    induction and first meeting

Applications open in:

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

Why become a governor?

Being a governor is an exciting opportunity to influence decision-making and contribute to the direction of our Trust. Governors have an important role in helping to make our NHS Foundation Trust publicly accountable for its services. They bring valuable perspectives and contributions to our activities, and they are the voices of our members and local communities.

Whether you are passionate about healthcare, want to represent your community, or are interested in being part of a team that drives positive change, we invite you to consider standing for election as a governor in our next round of elections.

  • Influence strategic direction: Governors help shape the future of their NHS Foundation Trust by contributing to the annual priorities.
  • Voice for the community: Governors represent the views of patients, staff, and the public; ensuring the trust reflects the needs of our community.
  • Make a meaningful impact: Governors contribute to improving local healthcare services and patient outcomes.
  • Improved transparency and accountability: Governors act as a check on the trust’s performance, promoting openness and good governance.
  • Develop new skills: The role offers opportunities to gain experience in leadership, governance, and healthcare policy.

Who can become a governor

To stand for election you must be at least 16 years old and be a registered member of the Foundation Trust. It’s quick and easy to register as a member if you aren’t already.

The election nomination material will confirm more specific eligibility criteria.

The role of a governor

Our Foundation Trust is made up of staff and public members, all of whom are represented by the Council of Governors.

The Council is composed of 27 governors, including:

  • 16 Public Governors
  • 6 Staff Governors
  • 1 Community First Responder Governor
  • 4 Appointed Governors

Public and Staff Governors are elected by members within their constituency, while Appointed Governors are nominated by partner organisations we work closely with.

Governors serve a three-year term and may stand for re-election for up to three terms.

Statutory Duties

Governors have two statutory duties of equal importance:

  1. Representing the interests of members in their constituency, the wider public across the SCAS area, and the trust as a whole.
  2. Holding the non-executive directors to account for the performance of the Board of Directors.

Governance Responsibilities

The Council of Governors plays a key role in the governance of the trust. Its responsibilities include:

  • Appointing the Chair and Non-Executive Directors
  • Appointing the trust’s external auditor
  • Receiving information about the Trust’s strategies and future plans

This ensures Governors can provide assurance to patients and the public that the trust remains focused on delivering safe, high-quality care.

Why Governors Matter

Our Governors are the voice of our members and local communities. They help shape our services by bringing insight, challenge, and support to ensure we meet the needs of everyone we serve. Governors also play a vital role in helping the trust tackle health inequalities by engaging with underrepresented groups.

Being a Governor is a voluntary role, but travel expenses such as mileage for Council of Governors and Board meetings can be claimed.

You can also hear more about the importance of the Governor role from our Chair and Lead Governor.

Professor Sir Keith Willett CBE – Trust Chair
Helen Ramsay – Lead Governor

The time commitment required

Governors are expected to attend four Council of Governors meetings each year. These are usually held in the evenings and can be joined either online or in person. You’ll also have access to meeting papers, including those from previous sessions.

In addition, Governors are encouraged to undertake constituency engagement, which includes gathering feedback, insights, and views from the communities they represent. This activity is highly flexible and can be undertaken at times and in ways that best suit your availability.

Activities can Include:

  • Attending up to six Board meetings per year
  • Meeting with your paired Non-Executive Director
  • Taking part in the recruitment of Non-Executive Directors
  • Participating in public events
  • Engaging with local communities
  • Visiting ambulance stations

Skills and qualifications to be a governor

You do not need any formal skills or qualifications to become a governor, just a passion for the ambulance service and helping us improve patient care. We will provide the training and support needed to carry out the role.

Successful governors share key skills and qualities such as good communication, critical thinking, and commitment. Empathy and a passion for improving local health services are especially important. Teamwork and a willingness to learn help governors make a positive impact.

The application process

Applications to stand in the elections open on 9 December 2025 and close on 8 January 2026. During this period, you can nominate yourself by completing a straightforward online form. This will ask for basic personal information, an election statement, and a photograph, all of which will be published in the election materials.

The nomination form and guidance on how to apply will be available on the Civica Election Services website from 9am on Tuesday 9 December 2025.

Please note that you must be registered as a member of our Foundation Trust by 5pm on 8 January 2026 in order to apply and submit your nomination.

Voting

The election period runs from 30 January to 24 February 2026. During this time, Foundation Trust members will be able to vote for candidates in their constituency. For example, only members living in Hampshire will vote for candidates standing for the Hampshire vacancies.

The elections are administered by Civica Election Services, an independent organisation that ensures a fair and impartial process. We will provide a link to Civica’s dedicated election website, where you will also find the online application forms.

Find out more

If you would like more information about the role of governors, please email questions to company.secretary@scas.nhs.uk

 

 

Cookie Settings