Could you help shape the restructured ambulance service?

PEOPLE interested in being a NHS Foundation Trust Governor and helping shape the future of their local ambulance service are being invited to a workshop.

The Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS) is expected to become part of South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) serving the whole south-west of England in February.

A workshop is being held in Almondsbury on Friday, January 11 for members of the public and GWAS staff who are interested in becoming a Governor.

Governors play an important role in monitoring an NHS Foundation Trust's performance and holding its board of directors to account.

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The Council of Governors is made up of public and staff Governors elected from Trust members, plus appointed Governors who represent partner organisations such as other healthcare providers and the emergency services.

Elections for the 16 new Governors who will represent Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and the area formerly known as Avon – 11 public and five staff Governors – will take place in March and April 2013.

They will join the existing 31-strong Council of Governors at SWASFT and serve for approximately one year before a new Council is elected in March 2014.

SWASFT Chairman Heather Strawbridge, who will lead the workshops, said: "Our Council of Governors are the guardians of the Trust and make a unique contribution to its future development and success. Governors are a vital link between the Trust and its members, staff, stakeholders and wider public, ensuring that the voices of those they represent are heard at the highest level in the Trust.

"The views of members help inform the development of the future strategy and direction of the Trust.  As well as putting forward their views, Governors also have responsibilities for holding the board to account for achieving its strategic aims and targets.

"Our continuing membership recruitment is offering local people the opportunity to become informed and involved with the work of their ambulance service. Those interested in standing to become a Governor will be able to influence that work."

People wanting to book a place on the workshop should email ft@swast.nhs.uk or phone 01392 261672.

More information about becoming a Trust member and Governor is available via www.swast.nhs.uk/ft.