ROYAL SURREY County Hospital in Guildford is looking for five new governors.

Public and patient governors are elected for a term of three years to serve on the Council of Governors, representing the interests of foundation trust members and the public.

The council, comprising 32 publicly elected and appointed members, holds the hospital’s board of directors to account for their performance and plays a key role in forming the trust’s strategy.

Trust chairman John Denning said: “Governors bring a wealth of expertise, experience and ideas which are essential to ensuring the effective development of our trust moving forwards.

“They ensure that the trust is managed appropriately and they have a number of key responsibilities including the appointment of the chairman, non-executive directors and external auditors, and holding the board to account. They are vital in representing the interests of our patients and the public.”

If you want to be a governor you don’t need any special experience; just enthusiasm, time and a genuine interest in the work of the trust. However you must be a member of the foundation trust aged 16 or over and live within the constituency you represent.

For further information about the elections and becoming a governor, visit www.royalsurrey.nhs.uk

Alternatively call the communications team on 01483 408337 for an informal chat.

The closing date for nominations is Friday, September 16.