Our plans for becoming an NHS foundation trust

INVOLVE

Caroline O’NeillFoundation Trust Communications Manager

11 September 2008

Becoming an NHS foundation trust

• Vision, values and priorities• What is an NHS foundation trust?• Why become an NHS foundation trust• Overview of governance arrangements• Consultation• Your involvement

Our Trust

• Five London boroughs

• Population of one million

• Almost 22,000 service users

• About 2,700 staff

• Annual budget is £170 million

Our priorities• To deliver safe, effective and responsive services:

– Recovery and social inclusion– Quality of care– Services based on standards and evidence

• To improve our care environment through our estates strategy including the Springfield regeneration programme

• To maintain healthy finances • To become a foundation trust

What is a foundation trust?

• New type of NHS organisation• Remains part of the NHS • Run and accountable at local level• Regulated by Monitor• Inspected like other NHS organisations

Why become a foundation trust?• The change of accountability has the potential to transform for the

better the way we relate and respond to service users and carers.  It is a shift to more of a service culture, where people have a much greater say in the treatment and support they receive.

• Having a large membership enables us to stay in touch with local communities - increasing knowledge and understanding of mental heath, reducing stigma and discrimination and building coalitions to press for positive change.

• The breadth and range of interests in our Members' Council should lead to richer debate about our strategies and plans and to more rounded decisions.

Why become a foundation trust?

• The process of becoming an FT will test and further strengthen our management, business and governance capacity and capabilities to make sure we are fit for purpose and fit to care.

• There are some limited additional financial flexibilities which will help us in an increasingly competitive healthcare market.

 • The vast majority of NHS services will soon be delivered by FTs, and

this will be the organisational model that the public and other stakeholders will increasingly come to recognise and understand. 

Engaging the community ………

New governance arrangements

• Membership

• Members’ Council

• Board of Directors

• A Constitution which sets out these arrangements

Proposed governance structure

Public members

Staff members

MembersCouncil

21Public council

members(elected)

5Staff council

members(elected)

13 Partner council

members(appointed)

ChairMembers’ Council

andBoard of Directors

Boardof

Directors

Why become a member?• Help shape the future of Trust services

• Help us become more accountable and better at listening to local people

• Elect members to our Members’ Council

• Stand for election as a council member representing Sutton

• Receive regular information

Public memberMerton

Merton representative on

Members’ Council

Fill in membership form

Vote in election for council members

or

Stand for election as a council member

The council member’s role

• Represent the interests of members• Support the Board in setting future plans• Advise on service improvements and meeting

local need Approve appointment of Chief Executive

• Appoint Chair and Non-Executive Directors (NEDs)

• Agree NEDs’ remuneration

Members’ Council - proposed structure

Members’ Council - proposed structure

The role of the Board of Directors

• Day to day running of the Trust

• Setting strategic direction

• Monitoring and managing performance

• Reporting to members via Members’ Council

• Leadership and promoting the Trust

Benefits to the local community

• Greater say in the future of local services• Services more accountable to local people• Greater potential for service investment• Raise awareness of mental health and

reduce stigma

Application timetable

Consultation June – October 08

Application to the Department of Health Early 09

Monitor authorisation process starts

– 3 months (earliest)

spring 09

Elections to Members’ Council (earliest) summer 09

Authorised as a foundation trust (earliest) summer 09

What are we consulting on?

23 June – 10 October 2008

• Our vision and purpose

• Our future priorities

• Our governance arrangements

We would like you to …….

• Respond to our consultation

• Join us as a member

• Help us recruit members

How do you respond?

Send to: Foundation Trust OfficeTrust headquartersSpringfield Hospital

call us at: Free phone 0800 085 2597email us: ft.office@swlstg-tr.nhs.ukwebsite: www.swlstg-tr.nhs.uk