We are looking for eight people to bring the voices of their communities to our Trust by nominating themselves to be a public governor.

Our Council of Governors includes people from across Devon who represent their local communities. As a governor, you can play a vital role in the work of your local NHS and represent your community.

What is a governor?

Governors share their feedback with members of the Board of Directors, those at the highest level of the Trust, to represent the interests of local people.

As well as representing people in your area, governors play a vital role in the governance of the Trust. The Council of Governors appoints the Trust’s Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) and holds them to account for the performance of the Board.

Public governors work alongside staff governors and appointed governors from Devon County Council and the University of Exeter, so that the Council of Governors as a whole represents the voices of our staff, patients and wider communities.

Governors have a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, but what they share is a passion for helping to shape local health services in a way that best meets the needs of patients and the public.

Watch this video to see what our governors have got up to recently.

What do people say about becoming a Royal Devon governor?

Dame Shan Morgan, Royal Devon Chair, said: “This is an important time for the Trust to have a well-represented Council of Governors as we respond to the significant challenges facing the NHS and Devon health system as a whole. Our Council of Governors helps ensure we act in the best interests of our patients and wider communities.

What do people say about becoming a Royal Devon governor?

Dame Shan Morgan, Royal Devon Chair, said: “This is an important time for the Trust to have a well-represented Council of Governors as we respond to the significant challenges facing the NHS and Devon health system as a whole. Our Council of Governors helps ensure we act in the best interests of our patients and wider communities.

“I am really grateful for the valuable insights and perspectives the governors have shared with me as Chair and with my colleagues who sit on the Board of Directors. If you think you have something to offer, we want to hear from you.”

Richard Westlake, public governor representing Exeter, Teignbridge, Torbay, South Hams, and Plymouth, said: “It’s a steep learning curve, but I’ve found it extremely interesting. I’ve enjoyed the stimulation of actually seeing improvements to the health service, talking to staff and talking to members.

“You can be home, sat down in a chair and having a moan, but by becoming a governor you’re putting yourself in a position where you can actually achieve something and do something for the public that you represent.”

Ready to take the next step?

You can join our information webinar on Monday 21 July, 5pm-6pm to find out more, meet a current governor, and ask any questions. Book your place here.

Or visit our online portal for more information and to nominate yourself when nominations open on Monday 14 July 2025.