Charity Governor Member Opportunities

OverviewSt Andrew’s Healthcare is a thriving charity with a proud history of helping individuals with mental health needs find hope. It is the country’s largest charitable provider of specialist mental healthcare, serving patients with some of the most complex needs. The charity aims to relieve suffering, give hope and promote recovery, with services in hospital and community settings.Governor Member RoleThe role of Governors within St Andrew’s is similar to that of an owner or shareholder, with collective responsibility for how the Charity is run, achieved by holding the Board of Directors/Trustees to account. Governors support in realising the Charity’s Vision of Imagining a society in which everyone living with mental health need is heard, valued and has a hope for their future, and its 2028 Mission to be a leader in helping people with complex mental health needs transform their lives.All Governors are unpaid. Their main responsibilities include ensuring the Charity:Has a clear strategy and defined goals and objectives against which to measure performanceIs well runMakes the best use of its resourcesIs open and accountableThe Charity has several classes of Governors: Full-time; Fixed-Term and Constituency Governors (Carer, Staff, Lived Experience and Community).Our current needWe are seeking applicants for a new Community Governor role from within the communities surrounding our three main hospital locations: Essex, Birmingham and Northampton. Applicants should be representative of their local communities and may be involved in healthcare, education or community volunteering activities. Appointments will be for between one and three year initial terms and can be extended if agreed between the Governor and the Charity.We are seeking applicants for new fixed term Governor roles. Appointments will be for an initial three year term and may be extended if agreed between the Governor and the Charity.Application Closing Date: 14 September 2025Interviews will be held on 27th and 30th October 2025MeetingsThe Court of Governors (Members) meets at least four times per year, with one AGM. Meetings are planned at least a year in advance, with formal notice of the AGM issued in writing at least 14 days in advance.At the AGM, Governor Members:Receive accounts for the previous financial yearReceive the Directors’ reportAccept retirements, appoint Directors and the Chairman for the coming year and confer thanks and honorary titlesDeal with any other matters raisedAt the quarterly Court of Governors meetings, attendees are presented with papers and reports on the following:CEO ReportQuality UpdateFinancial Performance ReportGovernor Assurance ReportsGovernor Visit ReportsTime CommitmentGovernors are expected to contribute at least 12 days per year, attending meetings and taking part in other activities for the Charity. Governors will be required to:Attend at least two Governors meetings per year, with one being the AGMUndertake ward or service visits, at least two visits each yearEngage in other activities to support the Charity, as agreedGovernors may also be asked to attend Charity Committees or Groups. Where this occurs, flexibility will be applied regarding ward or service visits, but Governor visits remain a crucial means of gathering frontline staff feedback and applying Committee/Group insights.It is preferred for all Governors to have a St Andrew’s email account to access charity-wide communications such as newsletters and videos.Additional ResponsibilitiesThe Charity seeks Governors who actively contribute by bringing their skills and experience to the role. Opportunities include:Undertaking Ward or Service visits and feeding back information to improve patient or carer experienceEngaging with the Patient Experience Team to ensure the patient voice is heardAttending governance and diversity groups and committeesEngaging with the Carer Strategy to improve the carer experienceSupporting fundraising and volunteering programsMentoring senior staff and promoting the Charity within networksOffering specific skills or experience as a critical friendOther activities where a Governor can contributePerson SpecificationExperience and UnderstandingSenior-level work in health or the commercial sector, ideally in a customer-facing organisationExperience in private, public or voluntary sectors with accountability requirementsUnderstanding of running a charitable organisation under regulation and high accountability standardsCurrent or recent experience of a mental health organisation, including personal or carer experienceProfessional experience across areas such as Medical/Clinical (mental health), Finance, Risk and Audit, Investments, Property or Estates, HR and Talent Management, Education, Law, Technology, Fundraising, Research, VolunteeringPersonal AttributesCommitment to the ethos of St Andrew’s Healthcare and empathy with the Charity’s aimsGood communication and the ability to relate to a wide range of peopleInfluencing skills to engage with Members, the Board and the ExecutiveWillingness to learn, independence of thought and integrityTeam player with strategic thinking and ability to drive changeCommitment to equal opportunities and diversityAbility to evaluate and interpret information independentlyIf you would like more information about these opportunities, please contact our Recruitment Team at recruitment@stah.org.Seniority levelMid-Senior levelEmployment typeOtherJob functionManagementIndustriesHospitals and Health CareNon-profit OrganizationsMental Health Care #J-18808-Ljbffr