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Our Governors

Our Council of Governors acts as a link between service users, carers, staff, the general public and the Trust's Board of Directors.

They support the Board of Directors in setting the long-term vision for our organisation, and hold the non-executive directors to account for the actions of the Board. Our Board of Directors has a duty to consult, and listen to the views of, the Council of Governors.

Photo of Karen Ogunko

Karen Ogunko

Job title Service User Governor
About

I have become a governor because I am passionate about Mental Health being a Mental Health Advisor, Campaigner, Advocate, Linkworker and Service user for over 25 years. My experience on both sides of the Trust has given me tremendous insight into the functioning of the Mental Health Framework.
My passion as a Governor will help to bridge the gap between Service Users and Clinical Staff and Governing bodies e.g. Service Users not wanting to take medication because they don't trust the Doctors.

I am very compassionate and empathetic and can demonstrate this to a high level. As a Governor I will help to bring changes where needed and to ensure that Service User's get gold standard treatment to aid them to a speedy recovery to their Mental Health and where things are at a high standard to maintain the status quo or to go even better.

On successful completion of a Pastoral Programme (July 2021) and life experiences I am now a qualified Reverend, this has put me in good stead to help the Trust to be the best Mental Health provider in the UK and globally.

I believe that my latest admission to SLAM services has helped me to understand the effects that being in hospital can have on an individual if they do not get the right treatment. Clinical staff need to be held to account for the way they treat Service Users.

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Contact your governors

If you have a question for your governors, please email governors@slam.nhs.uk

The Council of Governors is made up of:

  • Appointed members from organisations that the Trust works with
  • People who use the Trust's services elected by our membership
  • Carers of people who use the Trust's services elected by our membership
  • Members of the public elected by our membership
  • Members of staff elected by our membership

The Council's responsibilities include:

  • Appointing the Chair and other non-executive directors
  • Removing, if three quarters of the council of governors decide that it is necessary, the chair or other non-executive directors
  • Approving, by a majority, the appointment of the Chief Executive by the non-executive directors
  • Appointing or removing the Trust's auditor
  • Supporting and engaging with the Trust board
  • Holding the non-executive directors to account for the performance of the Trust Board
  • Representing the interests of the members of the Trust as a whole and the interests of the public
  • Approving 'significant transactions'
  • Deciding whether non-NHS work would significantly impact on the Trust's core role
  • Approving, by an overall majority, an application by the Trust to enter into a merger, acquisition, separation or dissolution
  • Approving amendments to the Trust's constitution

Governors review

The governors review includes information about the role of governors and their activities over the preceding year:
Governors review 2021-22

Governors review 2020-21

How to become a governor

Governors are elected to the Council of Governors from the public, service user, carer and staff constituencies. Elected governors serve a three-year term on the Council of Governors. Governors are also appointed by partner organisations. 

If you are interested in becoming a governor, vacancies will be advertised here or you can contact us to find our more via governors@slam.nhs.uk

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