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Election Results



2026 Public Governor Election

We are pleased to announce that the next round of elections to the RUH Council of Governors began on 10th August. This year we have six vacancies across the North East Somerset, Mendip, North Wiltshire, South Wiltshire and Rest of England & Wales constituencies.

Public Governors help make sure the views of patients, members and local communities are heard. They work with other Governors and senior leaders to help shape the future of RUH and the services we provide. Their contribution is highly valued across the organisation, and John Palmer, RUH Managing Director, is particularly keen to recognise the important role they play in helping RUH stay connected to the people and communities we serve, while ensuring local voices continue to be heard as part of the wider BSW Hospitals Group.

As a Public Governor, you can:

  • Speak up for your local community;
  • Share ideas and feedback from patients and members;
  • Help influence future plans and priorities;
  • Learn more about the NHS and develop new skills.

To find out more and submit your nomination, please visit https://www.cesvotes.com/RUH2026.

You can also read our Governor Guide.

If you would prefer to receive a nomination form via post please contact the election administrator using the contact details below:

The new Governors have all been elected for the first time and will go on to represent the Trust's members on the Council of Governors. We hope that you will join us in welcoming them. Trust members can contact their Governors through the Membership Office using the details below and will have the opportunity to meet the new Governors at future events.

Tel: 0208 889 9203
Email: ftnominationenquiries@cesvotes.com
Post: Civica Election Services, 33 Clarendon Road, London, N8 0NW

The nomination period is only open for a short time and the deadline for nominations is 5pm on Tuesday 8th September.

The last date for candidate withdrawal is Friday 11th September.

Who can become a Governor?

You do need to be a member of the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (RUH), but no formal qualifications are required, just enthusiasm, a willingness to ask questions, be open to ideas, and a desire to make a difference by getting involved in your local hospital.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, ages and experiences, and want our Council of Governors to reflect the diverse communities we serve.

If you care about local healthcare and would like to help make a difference, we encourage you to put yourself forward.

All successful candidates will be provided with an induction as well as ongoing training, development and support to carry out the role effectively.

If you are interested in the role but are not yet a member, you can sign up here.

What does a Governor do?

The role of an RUH Governor is to help ensure the Trust delivers services which meet the needs of patients, carers, staff and local stakeholders. Governors do this by creating stronger links with the communities we serve by reflecting patient and public views and interests and by carrying out some particular duties as defined in the Trust Constitution.

Your key role as a Governor would be to ensure that the views of local people are heard and fed back to the Board of Directors. Governors do not undertake operational management of the Trust; rather they collectively hold the Non-Executive Directors to account for the performance of the Board of Directors.

It is not within the Governor remit to deal with patient complaints directly. Governors should signpost member and the public to the correct and appropriate Trust department.