About the Association

The Foundation Trust Governors’ Association is primarily about learning and development, and provides a space and opportunities for foundation trust governors to meet, exchange views, debate and learn from each other.

The role of the foundation trust governor remains a relatively new one. As each foundation trust becomes authorised, its membership and councils of governors undergo a similar journey as they begin to understand the new responsibilities and accountabilities that foundation trust status brings.

The Association’s purpose is to help all governors understand their own role, learn from other governors and become as effective as possible in their governance roles.

How does the Association work?

The Association is a vehicle for individuals to develop and to act as conduits, taking learning, resources and collective intelligence back to their foundation trusts and the wider audiences there.

The King’s Fund is pleased to be hosting the Association, and is providing expert support and input into how learning can be best shared amongst its members, as well as infrastructure such as this website and full time project support.

The Association will initially provide:

  • access to a password-protected website, featuring resources, news, a members' directory and online discussion forums
  • access to two national plenary events each year, where the national membership will convene and hear from influential speakers, as well as debate policy issues
  • a range of seminars and/or workshops, specifically designed to support governors in their development.

Eligibility

Membership of the Association is open to every authorised foundation trust, and those trusts currently seeking authorisation, on payment of an annual subscription. Each foundation trust may then nominate two governors to be their representatives. All information regarding the Association's events will be sent directly to these nominated representatives.

Governors and those whose roles within the foundation trust support Governors or the Council of Governors, are eligible to register for the website and will receive our monthly e-newsletter.

What next?

Interested in your trust becoming a member? Stacey Lally, network co-ordinator for the Association, can put you in touch with our executive commitee or Simon Bird, programme director at the King's Fund.