Could you join us as a public governor?

Nominations are now open for our public governor elections and this is your opportunity to help shape the future of community health services in Kent.

Public governors are volunteers who represent the views and experiences of people in their local communities and help influence how our services are delivered. With community care at the heart of the NHS 10-Year Plan, this is an exciting time to get involved and make a difference. As the largest provider of community health services in the county, we have an essential role to play in this transformation.

We have six public governor vacancies one in each of the following constituencies:

• Canterbury
• Folkestone and Hythe
• Gravesham
• Swale
• Thanet
• Tunbridge Wells

As a governor, you will sit on our Council of Governors and have the opportunity to work with us to improve the care we provide. You will be the voice of the people you represent and play a role in holding our board of directors to account on behalf of the public. You must live in the constituency you wish to represent and be a member of the trust to run for a governor position.

Why stand to be a public governor?

We are committed to providing care which is compassionate, aspirational, responsive and excellent. If you share our values and want to represent the views of people in your area who use our services, now is the time to stand for election.

As a Public Governor, you can:

• represent the voice of your community within the NHS
• influence how local services are improved
• help make sure services meet the needs of patients, families and carers
• gain valuable experience in leadership, governance and working with senior NHS leaders.

You don’t need any previous experience in healthcare, just an interest in your community, a willingness to listen, and a desire to make a positive difference.

Don't just take our word for it. Find out more about the role and hear why some of our existing governors chose to stand for election in our video:

You can also watch the recent public governor information webinar and Q&A to find out more about the role:

How to stand for election

To stand for election, you must be a registered member aged 16 or over of Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust and live in one of the areas listed above.

If you would like to stand for election, you can find out more and submit your nomination through our elections process.

If you have any questions, need support, or want to talk through what the role involves, please contact us at:

Email: kcht.governors@nhs.net
Phone: 0300 013 2143

Find out more about our governor elections (including a link to apply).

Not looking to stand? 

That’s fine, your role as a member is just as important. If you’re not planning to stand yourself, you can join as a member look out for information about the candidates standing in your area and take part in the vote to choose who represents you.

Your voice matters, whether you choose to stand or to vote.