This document sets out the updated model election rules for use in elections of foundation trust councils of governors.  The new rules allow for electronic voting for the first time as well as preserving the option for paper based voting. 

These rules have been sponsored by the NHS Providers, formerly Foundation Trust Network (FTN), and pioneered by Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who made the draft amendments and led in testing out the rules in practice.  The Department of Health and Monitor were fully involved throughout the process and have endorsed the rules, but acknowledge that it is for the sector itself to take the lead in this area.

We believe that the new rules will facilitate a move over time to the phasing out of paper based systems which will save in time and cost of elections and may produce dividends in terms of turnout.  We hope that you will adopt them and we would welcome feedback on any issues, positive or negative that might arise.