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- Tasks: Join a team of Governors to support mental health initiatives and drive positive change.
- Company: St Andrew's Healthcare, the UK's largest charity for specialist mental healthcare.
- Benefits: Make a real impact in your community while gaining valuable governance experience.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with opportunities for personal growth and networking.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to transform lives and advocate for mental health awareness.
- Qualifications: Experience in health, education, or community volunteering; passion for mental health.
St Andrew’s Healthcare is a thriving Charity with a proud history of helping individuals with mental health needs find hope. It is the country’s largest charitable provider of specialist mental healthcare and supports patients with some of the most complex mental health needs. The Northampton hospital opened in 1838 and has a long history of transforming lives. The Charity provides services in hospital and in the community.
The role of Governors within St Andrew’s is similar to that of an owner or shareholder, and Governors have collective responsibility for how the Charity is run by holding the Board of Directors/Trustees to account. Governors support the Charity’s Vision of “Imagining a society in which everyone living with mental health need is heard, valued and has a hope for their future” and its 2028 Mission to be a local, regional, national and international leader in helping people with complex mental health needs transform their lives. All Governors are unpaid, and their main role is to know that the Charity:
- Has a clear strategy and defined goals and objectives against which to measure performance
- Is well run
- Makes the best of its resources
- Is open and accountable
The Charity now has a number of classes of Governors: Full-time, Fixed-Term and Constituency Governors (Carer, Staff, Lived Experience and Community).
We are currently seeking applicants for a new Community Governor role from within the communities surrounding our three main hospital locations, Essex, Birmingham and Northampton. Applicants should be representative of their local communities and may be involved in healthcare, education or community volunteering activities. Appointments will be for between one and three year initial terms and can be extended if agreed between the Governor and the Charity. We are currently seeking applicants for our new fixed term Governor roles. Appointments will be for an initial three year term and may be extended if agreed between the Governor and the Charity.
Application Closing Date: 7 September 2025
Interviews will be held on 27th. Attendees at quarterly Court of Governors meetings are presented with papers and reports such as: CEO Report, Quality Update, Financial Performance Report, Governor Assurance Reports and Governor Visit Reports.
Governors are expected to contribute at least 12 days per annum, including attending at least two Governors meetings per year (one is the AGM), undertaking ward or service visits (at least two per year), and engaging in other activities to support the Charity as agreed. Governors may also be asked to attend Charity Committees or Groups. If so, some flexibility will be applied regarding ward or service visits, reflecting the varied ways Governors contribute to the Charity. Governor visits remain a crucial means of gathering frontline staff feedback and informing decision-making. It is preferred for Governors to have a St Andrew’s email account to access Charity-wide communications such as newsletters and videos.
Governors are expected to actively contribute by bringing their skills and experiences to the role. Opportunities include:
- Ward or Service visits and feedback to improve patient or carer experience
- Collaboration with the Patient Experience Team to ensure the patient voice is heard
- Participation in governance groups and committees
- Engagement with the Carer Strategy and Voluntary Services program
- Mentoring senior staff and supporting fundraising
- Promoting the Charity within networks and offering strategic input as a critical friend
Experience and Understanding (examples of what successful candidates may possess):
- Senior-level experience in health or a customer-facing sector; understanding of the private, public or voluntary sectors
- Experience in running or governing a charity or regulated organisation
- Current or recent experience of a mental health organisation, including personal or carer experience
- Professional experience in areas such as Medical/Clinical (ideally mental health), Finance, Risk and Audit, Investments, Property or Estates, HR and Talent Management, Education and academia, law, technology, fundraising, research, volunteering
Personal Attributes:
- Commitment to the ethos of St Andrew’s Healthcare and empathy for the Charity’s mission
- Good communication and ability to relate to diverse groups
- Strong influencing, strategic thinking and independent judgment
- Commitment to equal opportunities and diversity
- Team player with integrity and the ability to contribute strategically
If you would like any more information about these opportunities, please contact our Recruitment Team at recruitment@stah.org.
Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom
Charity Governor Member Opportunities employer: St Andrew’s Healthcare
Contact Detail:
St Andrew’s Healthcare Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Charity Governor Member Opportunities
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Charity inside out! Familiarise yourself with St Andrew’s mission and values. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Governors and ask about their experiences. This can give you valuable insights and might even lead to a recommendation when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by thinking about how your skills align with the role. Be ready to discuss your experiences in healthcare, education, or community volunteering, and how they can benefit St Andrew’s.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your passion! During the interview, express your commitment to mental health advocacy and how you envision contributing to the Charity's goals. Remember, we want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Charity Governor Member Opportunities
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Why: Before you start writing, take a moment to reflect on why you want to be a Governor at St Andrew's. We want to see your passion for mental health and how you align with our mission. Share your personal connection or experiences that drive your commitment!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We’re looking for candidates who can bring something unique to the table, so don’t be shy about showcasing your background in healthcare, education, or community volunteering.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the Charity there.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Andrew’s Healthcare
✨Know the Charity Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to really understand St Andrew's Healthcare and its mission. Familiarise yourself with their history, values, and the specific challenges they face in mental health care. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your skills align with their goals.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Think about your past experiences that relate to the role of a Governor. Whether it's your work in healthcare, community volunteering, or any leadership roles, be ready to discuss how these experiences have prepared you to contribute effectively. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions for the interviewers. Ask about the current initiatives at St Andrew's, how they measure success, or what challenges they foresee in the coming years. This demonstrates your strategic thinking and commitment to the role.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity
Given the diverse communities St Andrew's serves, it's crucial to express your understanding and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your ability to engage with different groups and how you can bring that perspective to the Governor role.