Frequently asked questions

What is membership?

As a foundation trust we are able to recruit members. Service users, carers, staff, and members of the public form our membership and help shape the future of our services. The views of members in each constituency are represented by the Council of Governors. The Council works closely with our Board of Directors to develop our forward plans and ensure the views of members are taken account of.

Who can become a member?

Anyone over the age of 13 can become a member of our Trust. All members will fall under one of the following constituencies:

• Service user or carer – Someone who uses our services (or has used them within the last 10 years) or is a family member or friend of a service user
• Public – Any member of the public
• Staff – All members of staff are automatically members of our staff constituency, unless they opt out

What can I do as a member?

As a member of Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust you will receive regular newsletters, as well as invitations to Members’ Events. You are eligible to stand for election as a governor or vote for others to represent you on our Council of Governors. You are able to attend any of the Council of Governors’ meetings held in public and observe the discussions about the work going on in the Trust. This can be a way to meet with the governors who represent you and your views. Members also receive information on research projects, volunteering opportunities, and other involvement opportunities.

How much time will I need to give?

We recognise that not all our members wish to take an active role in membership. We value all our members, whether you wish to attend events, become a governor or simply receive updates from the Trust. There is no time commitment required.

How much does membership cost?

 Foundation Trust membership is free of charge.

How do I become a member?

 You can sign up through our online form using this link:   https://secure.membra.co.uk/Join/Leeds

If you would prefer to complete a hardcopy membership form, please call 07977327628 or email lypft.ftmembership@nhs.net.

Can I become a member in more than one constituency?

 Individuals are allowed to become a member in one constituency only. Individuals who are automatically members of the staff constituency may opt out of staff membership but are not permitted to opt into membership of another constituency.

How can I update my membership contact details?

Service user, carer and public members should email the Foundation Trust Membership Office (lypft.ftmembership@nhs.net) to update membership details.

What is the difference between members and governors?

Members receive information from the Trust and are able to stand for election as a governor or vote in our governor elections. Governors are elected by members to represent them on the Council of Governors. The Council of Governors meets regularly with the Board of Directors and has a number of statutory duties, including:

• Appointing the Chair and the Non-executive Directors
• Agreeing the remuneration of the Chair and the Non-executive Directors
• Influencing our forward plans and how the Trust provides its services
• Representing the interests of members and the public
• Holding our Non-executive directors to account for the performance of the Board

How can I become a governor?

To become a governor, you must first be a member of the Trust, and then you must follow an election process. Further information on this process can be found here.

How do I vote in an election?

All members will receive a notice of election in the post, which will invite members to nominate themselves to stand as governors if they wish to do so. Once the deadline for nominations has passed, members will then be informed of who has stood for election and how to vote.

How can I contact the governors?

You can contact your governors by emailing governor.lypft@nhs.net or by attending Council of Governors’ meetings. Details of meetings can be found on our website here.

What is the Annual Members’ Meeting?

Every year, we hold an Annual Members’ Meeting where we bring together the Trust’s members, our staff, our governors and the Board of Directors. The annual members’ meeting consists of presentations showcasing:

• What the Council of Governors has been doing over the last year on behalf of the members that they represent.
• Our annual accounts for the past year and reports on how we have used our money to provide and develop our services.
• What the Trust has done over the last year and what we want to achieve in the coming year.