writing your election statement

writing your election statement When writing your statement it is worth spending a little time to consider the following: Your own life experiences (e.g. Health Service experience) and why you feel that these are relevant to a governor role. This is equally as relevant as academic qualifications. For those with academic skills, outline what they are and why they are relevant. For those with business / commercial experience, outline what this is and why it is relevant. What the role of the Governor entails. Make sure that you are clear about the role and what it entails and make sure that your statement sticks within these boundaries. The Trust itself research the past, the present situation and the future plans for the Trust. The more knowledgeable you are about the key issues the more weight your statement will have. Your statement should create a word picture of yourself that sets out: Your personal qualities that will make you a successful governor; this might include some of the following: - What you really care about - Any recognition / awards nominations you have received or any other personal successes - Any previous roles / experience of representing the interests of others What you have to offer that will be of benefit to the Trust and the members you would represent - What you can contribute - What you personally hope to get out of being a Governor Why you believe that you should be elected You may find it helpful to use the following headings to summarise your points: A brief self-introduction and summary of your background Describing any similar experience previously, for example - Community role(s) - Health visitor - Family carer - Previous trustee / governor experience - Other community involvement such as magistrate - Other team player experience

Is there anything that gives you personal empathy with the Trust, for example, your healthcare experience? Are there any big strategic issues to which you are particularly eager to contribute to future thinking? Do you have any special skills that you can offer, for example, being adept at looking at issues through the eyes of others; being able to empathise with disadvantaged individuals? You might like to consider a closing summary, for example, The main benefit that I can bring the Trust is... Some helpful hints: Overall, seek to convey an accurate portrayal of yourself and your personality so that you come across as an individual as well as a worthwhile prospective governor. However, remember that you do have a word count restriction, so try to avoid including information that is not relevant (e.g. I have three children, aged x, y and z as well as a cat called Furry unless you are doing so to support a particular point such as providing personal care for family members with special needs) When setting out your profile, aim to avoid using any negative or apologetic words such as - Although... - However... - But... - Nonetheless... Do not exaggerate but equally, do not play down your experiences through false modesty (for example I have played a small part in... / I have made a modest contribution towards... / I would be humbled by... ) Consider using sub-headings to make your statement easy to read e.g. - I am... - I have been involved in... - My experience is... - The main skills that I can offer to the Trust are Don t over promise. Promising to re-structure the whole NHS will not come across as believable. If you have researched the role you will know exactly what you can and can t do as a Governor. Keep your statement believable and achievable. Write your statement clearly or if possible type it up. You can email an electronic copy of your statement to ftnominations@electoralreform.co.uk Check your statement once finished for any errors. If you are typing your statement use the selfchecking facility. If possible get someone to read through your statement and check it. We print statements exactly as they are provided. So if you provide a statement with a spelling mistake, this is what will be printed and sent out to voters.

Examples of Candidate Statements The following statements are real examples submitted by successfully elected governors. Example 1: (Public/Service User) I am a 47 year old man who has MS. Through my own needs and needs of others I became involved as a patient advocate. Became a tutor for the Expert Patient programme. Tutor Looking After Me. Founder of The Personal Health Forum. Responsible Adult Staying Positive. Patient representative on Health Space Reference panel Summary Care Reference Panel member. Evaluation Panel at UCL for Summary Care Records. Electronic Prescriptions Service Patient Representative. My experience is varied as the above information shows you that I have worked alongside a variety of Health Care Professionals. On a Personal level in the past I have experienced care that has been provided for me more by luck than good judgment/choice. I can offer a variety of skills to the Trust I have an understanding and an empathy with patients and their needs. I have the experience and Knowledge gained through the Expert Patient Programme. I have been a patient Representative on a variety of panels all aiming to ensure better and more efficient patient care on a nationwide scale. As a Governor I feel that I would be comfortable liaising with both patients and health Care Professionals. I deeply care that a patient s voice is heard and respected. I understand the constraints that are put on NHS however my aim is to ensure that every patient is aware of their choices and are treated with care dignity and respect at all times.

Example 2: (Public/Service User) I have lived and worked in the local area all my life; I have been a nurse, a patient and a carer. In 2006 I lost my wife to Motor Neurone Disease which is an incurable, terminal, degenerative disease and so got involved with the national charity (MND Association) to use that dreadful experience to help people throughout the community living with MND. I have been instrumental in setting up, running and development a number groups across the region as well as raising funds and awareness locally, nationally and internationally. From this has grown a real interest in research. I joined DeNDRoN (Dementia and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Organisations Network) and for over four years have been a patient & public representative with the NIHR (National Institute for Health Research) bringing the lay perspective to NHS Clinical Studies Groups, research committees and ongoing clinical trials. While the tragedy of MND first grew my interest in Neurology and palliative care, I have since learned how different conditions and diseases, especially Alzheimer s, Dementia, Parkinson s and many others too; all share similar issues and concerns for patients, families, friends and carers. I attended the Governor Workshop in September and could see that my background was indeed very relevant to so many aspects of community healthcare. I want to use my experiences and skills as a communicator to help the Trust deliver better, more effective, reliable and accessible services to the community. Example 3: (Public/Service User) Our NHS is being challenged by funding cuts. My passion is a free NHS that is efficient, value for money and the best in the world. We all require health services at some time in our life, usually when we are most vulnerable and unable to fight to ensure we get the quality of service we need, I wish to be part of ensuring the Trust always provides the health services you need, when you need them and local to you. I have been involved in Patient and Public involvement in Health and Social Care for over 20 years, prompted by becoming a carer for my elderly, disabled mother and when I found that the services she needed were not being provided. We need the Trust to be the place staff want to work and develop their professionalism and commitment in providing free, first class health services. I have graduate and post graduate qualifications in law and have experience of governance in various charities, community groups and health and social care advocacy groups and as a former NHS Trust governor. I feel I have skills, experience and time to be your representative and accountable to you. I will be contactable by you to take your issues, suggestions and concerns to the Trust and ensure they are dealt with quickly and appropriately. The Trust belongs to you and as your governor I will always make sure it acts in your and the communities best interests. Thanks for reading this. Best regards, XXXX

Example 4: (Public/Service User) I am married, father to 4 children and a grandfather. I qualified as a learning difficulties nurse 30 years ago, and have experience working in the NHS Department of Health and Prison Service. Three years in the finance sector gave me financial acumen. I chair The Independent Children s Home Association, representing 105 companies in meetings with MP s and the Department of Education. I am Managing Director of my 10 year old care company with OFSTED rated Outstanding Children s homes, a specialised school with Outstanding Features, CQC inspectors said our Adult home could be a benchmark for the sector. My role as Managing Director in a service for clients with emotional and behavioural challenges brings me daily contact with the stress that families have in our challenging times. As a hands-on person who leads teams from the front line, I am highly motivated to develop my business. I am the visionary for the company s future but I also make the cutting-edge decisions that mould the company whilst maintaining our aim of being a blueprint for excellent care. I am a proud Brummie and part of large Irish descent family many of whom work in front line NHS services. I am aware of the impact that policy and financial planning has on the long term picture and front line services. I would like to be part of the future NHS team. I can offer expertise and energy to negotiate the difficult decisions faced by an NHS Public Governor. Example 5: (Staff) The purpose of the NHS is to provide the best care to people who need it, and this can only be achieved through its staff. Since qualifying as a Speech and Language Therapist in 1993, I have worked in the NHS and experienced how all staff need to be supported and valued in providing care. It s common to hear of doctors and nurses when referring to staff, but I understand the vital role played by others in providing excellent care. Change and uncertainty for staff is higher than ever, and all groups must make their views heard. Although Scientific, Therapeutic and Technical groups cover a significant proportion of staff, it also includes smaller professions whose individual voice is not being heard. If elected as Staff Governor, I will ensure that our collective voice is heard, and that the opportunity to influence the direction of the new FT is not lost. I believe I can make a difference as your Staff Governor. As a clinician I have practised in hospitals and communities across the West Midlands, and appreciate the challenges and opportunities of providing care. I have also managed a range of staff groups since 2005, and understand that each profession has something unique to offer. Involving and valuing staff in service change is the key to success; I have a trackrecord of ensuring staff are involved in redesign, and have specialised in this area academically. If elected, I will place this ethos at the heart of my role.

Example 6: (Staff) Nurses need a strong presence on Board of Governors; nurses must lead development of the Foundation Trust. Please support me for Staff Governor representing Nursing. I have diverse international experience in public, private and voluntary sectors in strategy, governance, promoting value of/ respect for nurses and disability access /patient rights. Being disabled I understand how deeply patients need nurses who care, think and challenge on their behalf. Background: General Nursing (America): long term, community, family health, learning disability, hospice Red Cross volunteer (18 years) Board Member- Children s Home Chair of RCN Students, RCN Council Member - Key work- Agenda for Change District Nurse Team Leader Nurse Consultant (SBPCT 2005), Nursing lead Author: - Student Nurse Handbook, Newly Qualified Nurses Handbook - Monthly Column, Primary Healthcare Magazine CQC Expert Inspector NMC (Professional Practice & Registration Committee, Disability Expert Reference Group) - Key work: Fitness to Practice guidance: Disability/ Reasonable Adjustments; Health Visitor Standards; Pre-registration Education Standards; Safeguarding; Escalating concerns Experienced speaker/ mentor/ teacher 2011 BCU Alumni of the year I believe I would represent you well because I m honest, direct and work consistently to evidence/ assure quality and highlight the value of all staff. I m committed to competent and compassionate patient care, promoting nursing values, and helping staff learn, develop and achieve. I will ensure our Trust listens to Nurses as we work together to develop and lead excellence in healthcare for the people of this city.

Example 7: (Staff) I have worked in a variety of positions at the Trust since 1995. I am a Registered Nurse and for 8 years I worked as a District Nurse. More recently I have been a manager of various clinical services in the organisation in both Children s and Adult services. I believe very strongly in giving something back to the Organisation with which I have worked. I feel that the position of Governor will allow me to do this whilst influencing how services are delivered in the future. With the range of experience I have gained, I am keen to ensure the Trust maximises its services to improve the health of the local population. If chosen as Governor I will ensure that I work with staff; managers and service users to ensure that the care and services provided to patients is of the highest possible quality. I am keen to be actively involved with the shaping of a quality organisation that staff are proud to work in and where patients feel safe and confident in the care and treatment provided. I also recognise that representing the views of constituency members is paramount in the role of Governor. I would like your support to bring about change and ensure that our patients receive a quality professional service and the best possible care from the wide range of clinical services we provide. I have strong communication, organisational and leadership skills; I am highly motivated and would thrive on the challenge of being a governor (statement cut at word limit)