Council of Governors

The Council of Governors is made up of elected and appointed people who are volunteers and are not paid. Our Governors have an important role in making sure our Trust is publicly accountable for the services it provides. They bring valuable perspectives and contributions to its activities, ensuring that both hospitals work well for patients, carers, staff, and the general public.

Who are our Governors?

The Chairman of the Trust conducts the meetings of the Council of Governors.

Professor Sir Bruce Keogh is our Chairman and he can be contacted via our Foundation Trust office bwc.foundationtrustoffice@nhs.net.  

Our Governors are elected by the Members of the Foundation Trust, divided into distinct constituencies:

  • Public Governors are elected by people who live in the West Midlands region
  • Staff Governors are elected by people who are staff at the hospital
  • Patient and Carer Governors are elected by people who are either a Patient or the Carer of a Patient

Our Appointed Governors are drawn from partner organisations, for example, institutions of higher education.

The structure of our Council of Governors is explained in the Trust’s core Constitution.

What do they do?

The overriding role of the Council of Governors is to hold the Non-Executive Directors individually and collectively to account for the performance of the Board of Directors and to represent the interests of NHS Foundation Trust Members and of the public.

Their work ensures that the needs of the patients, local population, and staff are fully considered in decisions made about the Trust.

They meet as the Council of Governors four times a year to discuss the business of the Trust, helping shape its strategic plans and developments. The meetings are open to the public, so you are welcome to come along, meet the Governors and find out more about the Trust. The Governors also regularly attend events at each hospital and you should always feel welcome to approach one of them with any questions, ideas or concerns.

Our staff, public and patient governors are elected by members of our Trust. You can become a member for free by registering online.

The Council of Governors meets formally four times per year and attends two meetings every year with the Board of Directors. During these meetings, they discuss how well the Trust is doing regarding providing care to our women, children and families and discuss matters to help shape our future.

For more information on what the role of a Governor involves and what support is offered, please email  bwc.foundationtrustoffice@nhs.net  or call 0121 333 8433.

Alternatively, if you would like to submit a nomination, please email ftnominationenquiries@electoralreform.co.uk to obtain a form.

Election results October 2020

Please see the below documents for the results of the October 2020 governor elections.

Council of Governors

  1. Lead Governor

    Claire Terry

    Lead Governor
  2. Carer Governor

    Clare Maceachen

    Carer Governor
  3. Birmingham and Solihull Public Governor

    Judith Ferrarin

    Birmingham and Solihull Public Governor
  4. Birmingham and Solihull Public Governor

    Kate Archer

    Birmingham and Solihull Public Governor
  5. Public Governor

    Rizwan Jalil

    Public Governor
  6. Patient/Carer Governor

    Zafin Aktar

    Patient/Carer Governor
  7. Rest of the West Midlands Public Governor

    Rachel Brown

    Rest of the West Midlands Public Governor
  8. Staff Governor (Medical and Dental)

    Andrea Jester

    Staff Governor (Medical and Dental)
  9. Public Governor

    Claire Powers

    Public Governor
  10. Rest of the West Midlands Public Governor

    Aqeela Choudhry

    Rest of the West Midlands Public Governor
  11. Patient/Carer Governor

    Clare Jones

    Patient/Carer Governor
  12. Birmingham and Solihull Public Governor

    Gilles de Wildt

    Birmingham and Solihull Public Governor
  13. The Black Country Public Governor

    Morgan Siviter

    The Black Country Public Governor
  14. Birmingham and Solihull Public Governor

    Pam Stirrop

    Birmingham and Solihull Public Governor
Total results: 18