Meet our new Lead Governor Ian Andrews

Ian Andrews today attends his first Council of Governors meeting in his newly elected role of Lead Governor.

Ian is a Non-clinical Staff Governor and was voted by governors to become the Lead Governor in November 2024.

The role sees him work with Merran McRae, Chair of the Trust and Chair of the Council of Governors, to contribute to the efficient and effective running of the Trust’s Council of Governors.

The Council of Governors provides a direct link between LYPFT and our local communities, staff and key partner organisations. As critical friends to the Trust, Governors work with the Board of Directors to help shape our plans for the future and are directly involved in achieving our vision to lead the way in mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity care.

Our new Lead Governor, Ian Andrews, said:

“I have been involved in the NHS for nearly twenty years in back-office functions, and I am keen to use my appointment to represent the perspective of non-clinical Trust staff and to raise the profile of the non-clinical support and administration functions among our staff.

The events of the past year have brought home to us all the importance and value of mental health support in times of crisis, and the pressures on organisations such as ours that provide that support and many other equivalent services.

As someone who has had cause to lean on that support this year, I have become keenly aware of what a critical part of the community this service represents and I hope to be able to build on the Trust’s inclusive, positive and supportive staff culture.”

Outgoing Lead Governor Les France has stepped aside after undertaking the role for the last three years. Les remains on the Council as a public governor. He said:

“I am so proud of the work of the Council of Governors to help ensure that the Trust has been able to respond to the challenges of the past few years whilst listening to the views of its members. The Trust is in a good position to respond to future challenges. Thank you to everyone who has worked for and supported the Trust during my tenure, including the Governors for volunteering their time over the years.”

You can find out more about our Council of Governors on our website.

If you’re interested in becoming a governor, please email governor.lypft@nhs.net to express your interest.

More about the Lead Governor role

All foundation trusts must nominate a lead governor to facilitate direct communication between its Council of Governors and NHS England in the limited circumstances where it may not be appropriate to communicate through the normal channels. The Lead Governor has a number of other important responsibilities, such as supporting the recruitment process for the Chair of the Trust by chairing the shortlisting and interview panels and working with the Senior Independent Director to undertake the annual appraisal of the Chair of the Trust.

Page last updated: 4th Feb 2025 12:57pm