A committed, knowledgeable and effective council of governors is one of the cornerstones of a foundation trust's success. Our well established and wide-ranging Governor Support programme covers all levels of governor development with a focus on quality content and the governor role in practice delivered in an interactive format. 99% of governors would recommend our governor training and events.

Our Governor Support offer includes:

• GovernWell training – the national training programme for foundation trust governors
• Governor Focus conference – an annual event exploring national issues in health and care that impact on the governor role
• Virtual workshops – to enable governors to keep up to date with key policy issues, share good practice and discuss hot topics with peers
• Governor Focus e-newsletter so governors can keep up with developments in the sector
• Support and guidance on our webpages including jargon busters, guidance documents and induction resources.

GovernWell training programme

GovernWell, the national training programme for foundation trust governors, aims to develop the knowledge and skills of governors to allow them to undertake their statutory roles and responsibilities effectively. Our practical, interactive training is delivered by experienced trainers with significant NHS experience who are committed to continuous development. The GovernWell training programme includes:

• Core skills module for those governors in their first term of office, or those governors who require a refresher
• Six specialist skills training modules focusing on specific aspects of the governor role in more detail, these include:
  • Accountability and holding to account;
  • Effective questioning and challenge;
  • Member and public engagement;
  • NHS finance and business skills;
  • Recruitment – the governor role in non-executive director appointments;
  • Effective chairing for governors.

These modules are delivered as open courses and in-house on request for individual council of governors where content can be tailored to specific development needs and requirements.