Member and public engagement

Making member and public engagement meaningful

Governors play a key role in making NHS foundation trusts publicly accountable, and that means engaging effectively with members and the wider public. This course supports governors to better understand their role in representing public interest. It explores how they can support engagement activities, build meaningful relationships, and feed community perspectives back to the board with clarity and confidence.

Perfect for both new and experienced governors, the session provides practical insights, space for reflection, and examples of good practice from across the sector.

Key takeaways

1. Understand their statutory responsibility to represent members and the public.
2. Know why NHS foundation trusts have members — and how governors support engagement.
3. Gain insight into building practical, effective engagement approaches.
4. Reflect on challenges and explore examples of what works in practice.
5. Strengthen their confidence through peer learning and discussion.

Your governors have a duty to represent the interests of members and the wider public — and to do that well, they need clarity, confidence and practical tools. This course helps them understand their role, build relationships that matter, and channel public perspectives in a way that genuinely supports board decision-making.

• The governor’s role in representing the interests of members and the public.
• Why NHS foundation trusts have members, the purpose of engagement, and how governors can support engagement activities within the trust.
• How to establish the building blocks for practically engaging with members and the public.
• Approaches to engagement as a governor, with real examples of what works in practice.
• The challenges to member and public engagement.
• The importance of good relationships in fostering effective engagement.
• Opportunity to network with fellow governors and increase confidence in delivering the governor role.

 The course runs from  9.30am to 1pm (subject to change).

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.

• 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.