Council of Governors

Montage of the current governors

The Council of Governors reflects the views of the Foundation Trust’s members, promotes its strategy and holds the Board’s Non-Executive Directors to account. 

Become a member of the Foundation Trust, and help contribute towards the future of Great Ormond Street Hospital.

About the Council of Governors

There are 27 governors who make up our Council of Governors.

18 governors are elected by our Foundation Trust’s public, patient or carer members and five are elected by staff members.

There are also four appointed governors who are nominated by stakeholders such as the local authority, or other organisations.

We see the Council as our critical friend and guardian of our values. Collectively and individually its role is vital as it acts as a link to the hospital community by:

  • involving members directly in our long term vision and planning
  • supervising public involvement, membership recruitment and engagement

The Council also has specific powers and holds the Non-Executive Directors to account for the performance of the Board of Directors. Its duties include:

  • appointing and setting the pay and terms and conditions of appointment of the Trust Chair and Non-Executive Directors
  • ratifying the appointment of the Chief Executive
  • appointing the auditors and receiving the annual report and accounts

Council of Governors' Structure

The Chair of the Council of Governors plays a pivotal role as they are also the chair of the Board of Directors.

To make sure our Council of Governors represents our membership effectively it is divided into a number of groups. These are known as constituencies.

The Council of Governors comprises four main constituencies. For more detail please see the Composition of the Council of Governors page.

Our GOSH Governors

The current council structure. The GOSH council of governors is listed by region (London, Home Counties and Rest of England and Wales), and also categorised into whether they are a patient, parent/ carer/ public/ staff member, or appointment.

The current council structure and GOSH governors.

Council of Governors' Committees

The Council of Governors delegates certain duties to committees, such as:

Membership Engagement, Recruitment and Representation Committee (127.9 KB)

Council of Governors' Nominations and Remuneration Committee Terms of Reference (182.2 KB)