Membership
A foundation trust is a new kind of NHS organisation that provides care services for local people. As a foundation trust we remain a firm part of the NHS and follow the principles and standards of the NHS - for example, as a Foundation Trust we do not charge people for their care, and we must use our resources to provide NHS services.
What's the difference?
The main difference is that foundation trusts are run locally with greater freedom from central Government. This allows us to have more say and control over the running and development of the services we provide. Control, ownership and accountability is placed in the local community, service users, carers and staff through the Council of Governors and our membership. Therefore, we are better placed to work with local people and local communities to ensure our services continue to meet the Professor Alan Walkerneeds of the people of Sheffield. Professor Alan Walker, Chair of SHSC, says: "It now means we will be run locally with greater freedom from central Government. Control, ownership and accountability is placed in the Sheffield community, service users, carers and staff. Therefore, we will be better able to work with local people and local communities to ensure our services continue to meet their needs. Local people will really be given the chance to have their say."
Foundation Trusts have greater financial freedoms than other NHS organisations and are able to make better and more flexible use of their money. This will help us to plan for ongoing and future investments to support developments and improvements in local services.
Are Foundation Trusts still part of the NHS?
Most definately! As a Foundation Trust we are still required to meet the Department of Health's national standards on service quality and effectiveness. We continue to be inspected by external organisations such as the Care Quality Commission and other national bodies, who assess our progress and performance. However, as a Foundation Trust we are able to focus more on what is important to the people in Sheffield in deciding how we develop services for people with mental health problems and learning disabilities over time.
What have members and governors got to do with Foundation Trusts?
Everything, they're the basis upon which a Foundation Trusts is built because FTs are 'membership organisations' and it is to our members that we are ultimately accountable. The members - people from the local communities in Sheffield and our staff - elect representatives to become governors. The Governors work with the Trust's Board of Directors to agree the future plans of the organisation. They also decide who to appoint as the chairperson and non-executive directors of the Foundation Trust.
How can I find out more?
The Department of Health's website has more information on Foundation Trusts.
You can contact us directly to discuss issues that are of interest to you or to find out how you can get involved as a member. You can contact us in the following ways:
Phone
0114 271 8825 or 0114 226 3904
samantha.stoddart@shsc.nhs.uk or foundation.trust@shsc.nhs.uk
Letter
Sam Stoddart
Membership Manager
Sheffield Health & Social Care NHS Foundation Trust
Fulwood House
Old Fulwood Road
Sheffield
S10 3TH
or
Foundation Trust Office
Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust
Old Fulwood House
Sheffield
S10 3TH
Involve - Our Membership Magazine
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This page was last updated on 19th September 2012
