Governors - elections

Please note, nominations for this year’s governor elections are now closed.

If you are a member of the Trust, you will be invited to vote for the candidates in your area from late September.

Voting will close on 14 October.

If you are a Dorset HealthCare member, you are eligible to stand for a governor role.

Governors play a vital role in the work of the Trust and make a real difference by:

  • helping to shape our future strategy and the services we provide 
  • providing feedback on the quality of our services so they can be continuously improved
  • undertaking a number of statutory responsibilities including the appointment of our chair and non-executive directors
  • holding the board of directors to acount for its performance
  • representing the views of members on key issues, and consulting them on the important matters such as proposed service developments and changes.      

The election process (downloadable version)

Step 1

You will receive a letter/postcard from an organisation called UK Engage providing notice of the elections. This letter will explain how you will be invited to vote in the elections and explain how you can consider putting yourself forward as a governor.

Step 2

If you are interested in putting your name forward as a governor for the 2021 elections, you will need to complete a nomination form by 6 September, including a statement as to why you think you are right for the job. Details of how to do this will be included in the letter.

Step 3

UK Engage will check the electoral data before the distribution of the voting packs. At this time there is an opportunity for you to withdraw your nomination if you have changed your mind.

Step 4

Voting starts! You will be asked to vote if an election is contested. This means if there are more nominations received than seats per constituency; you will then be asked to vote for your Governor.

Voting packs will be distributed on Tuesday, 21 September by post and email (if you have given your email address). You will have until Thursday 14 October to vote for your preferred candidate.

Step 5

Election results will be available from 15 October. These will be shared on the this website.

If you do not wish to stand as a Governor - you will still be involved in the election and voting process. Please follow steps 1, 4 and 5.

For further information about what being a governor entails please read our becoming a public governor pack.  Any staff member who would like to stand for election to become a staff governor should contact our current staff governors.

Governor election results 2020

Complaints and PALS Co-ordinator Stephen Churchill retained his place as a staff governor, and was joined by Hattie Taylor, District Nurse Lead for Purbeck.

They formally took up their seats on the Council following the Annual Members' Meeting on 21 October 2020, and will serve for a term of three years.

Congratulations to Stephen and Hattie, and a big thank-you to Pete Kelsall for his work as staff governor in recent times. Thanks also to everyone who voted.

Polling also took place for public members to join the Council. Lewis Cosky and Karen Currie were elected to represent the Bournemouth constituency; Nigel Rodgers was elected for Poole, and Dr Bruce Grant-Braham, Maureen, Maureen Hamer and Pauline Stockley for Dorset and the Rest of England and Wales.

To find out more about the election process or the role of a Governor, contact Membership Manager Jacqueline Stratford at dhc.membership@nhs.net or on 01202 277004.

Becoming a governor

Put your name forward as a governor

Governors