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Governance, accountability and holding to account

11 February 2026

9:30 - 13:00

Online

Online

  • Governance

Overview

Empower your governors to enhance board accountability

Equip your governors with the knowledge and confidence to carry out one of their most important statutory duties, holding non-executive directors (NEDs) to account for the performance of the board. This course explores the accountability structure within NHS foundation trusts and offers practical exercises to support governors in applying their role effectively.

Key takeaways
  1. Understand the accountability context for councils of governors.
  2. Gain clarity on what holding to account means in practice.
  3. Build confidence in asking effective questions of NEDs.
  4. Strengthen their ability to contribute to oversight of board performance.
  5. Share experiences and learn from governors across other trusts.

Why this matters

Holding non-executive directors to account is a statutory duty, and one that directly affects the effectiveness of your board. When governors are confident in their role within the trust’s accountability structure, they can help ensure leadership is transparent, inclusive and aligned with the trust’s strategic priorities. Supporting their development not only strengthens your governance processes but also contributes to better outcomes for your organisation.

Lots of opportunities to ask questions, with presenters checking in for our understanding, which I valued.

Previous delegate

What we'll cover

  • The accountability context for councils of governors to carry out their statutory duty of holding the non-executive directors to account for the performance of the board.
  • What accountability and holding to account means in practice.
  • Practical exercises to build confidence in asking effective holding-to-account questions.
  • Meet and network with fellow governors.

The course runs from 9:30am to 1:00pm (subject to change).

Trainers

Neil Riley

Neil Riley

Associate - GovernWell Programme

NHS Providers

Neil Riley

Neil Riley

Associate - GovernWell Programme

NHS Providers

Neil Riley has over 35 years of NHS management experience. Prior to retiring in 2016, he was assistant chief executive at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals for 14 years, following four years as a senior civil servant in the Department of Health. Since retiring, Neil has remained active in the charitable sector as an adviser and trustee, and is currently chair of a charity for homeless people. He continues to contribute to the NHS by occasionally chairing consultant appointment panels.

Pricing

Open to NHS Providers members and non-members.

Member: £138 (ex VAT) | £165.60 (incl. VAT)
Non Member: £207 (ex VAT) | £248.40 (incl. VAT)

You will need to provide a purchase order number at booking to confirm your place on this course. Card payments are also accepted. 

Follow the ‘Book now’ link at the top of this page to book your place. You will need to create an account if you have not already done so.

Very helpful for understand the parameters of being a governor.

Julie SearlePublic Governor, Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Who should attend

  • All types of governors.

Please note, if you are a governor that is interested in booking on to one of our training courses, please enquire through your trust contact.

Bring this training to your trust

Delivered in-house and tailored to your council — supporting consistent understanding of the governor role and more effective contribution to trust priorities.

Enquire now
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