Governor elections 2025/26
We’re looking for passionate, community-minded people who want to help shape the future of local ambulance services.
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 one volunteer and two staff governors.
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 to 8 January
applications open - 9 to 29 January
election materials prepared - 30 January to 24 February
voting open - 25 February
results published
Applications open in:
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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: They 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: They 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 of 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 governors are the voice of our members and local communities and help shape our services. They provide insight, challenge, and support to ensure we deliver high-quality care to everyone in our communities.
Our governors also support our work to reduce health inequalities by engaging with underrepresented communities. It’s a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference.
Being a governor is a voluntary role. Basic expenses are covered for attending meetings/events as part of the role. Governors are elected for a three-year term and can stand for re-election for up to three terms.
There are two main statutory duties of equal importance:
- Representing the interests of members in their constituency, the wider public across the SCAS area, and the trust as a whole.
- Holding the non-executive directors to account for the performance of the Board of Directors.
The time commitment required
As a minimum, governors are expected to attend the four Council of Governor meetings per year – run in the evenings with online or in-persons attendance. There will also be papers to read in advance. You can review papers from past meetings.
You would also need to spend one to two days a month on constituency engagement – to gather views of those you represent.
Additional activity can include:
- Attending Trust Board meetings and public events
- Meetings with buddy non-executive directors
- Governor visits to ambulance stations
- Taking part in recruitment of non-executive directors
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
You ‘nominate’ yourself by completing a simple form, including basic personal details, an election statement, and a photograph, to be published in the election material.
Links to the form and guidance on how to prepare an election statement will be added here from 9am on Tuesday 9 December 2025.
An independent organisation (Civica Elections Services) runs the elections to ensure a fair and impartial process. We will link to a dedicated election website run by Civica which will have online application options.
Find out more
- Profiles of our current governors
- Our constitution – provides more detail on the Council of Governors and election process
If you would like more information about the role of governors, please email questions to company.secretary@scas.nhs.uk