Torbay public governor vacancies
We are sorry that two people who were recently returned as public governors for the Torbay constituency have decided not to take up their roles and we are disappointed that they felt unable to continue at this early stage.
We recognise how strongly people in Torbay and across South Devon care about their local NHS services – and about Torbay Hospital in particular. Hearing local voices matters and we will continue to listen and engage openly, especially when decisions are difficult.
Public governors have an important role in representing the interests of members and the public and in holding our non-executive directors to account for the performance and leadership of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust as a whole. Torbay Hospital is a vital part of our organisation and we also provide hospital and community services across Torbay and South Devon and adult social care services in Torbay.
In this instance, the two individuals were returned unopposed in the Torbay public governor election. Their decision not to take up the roles was made before the standard onboarding steps for new governors were completed (including induction, signing the governors’ code of conduct, declaring interests and completing mandatory training). They had not yet attended a meeting of the Council of Governors.
Our Constitution sets out how vacancies among elected governors may be handled and it is for the Council of Governors to decide how to proceed. This includes options to run an election within three months, to invite the next highest polling candidate from the most recent election to become a governor (if there is one), or – depending on the circumstances – to leave seats vacant until the next elections are held.
We will support the Council of Governors to follow this process and we encourage anyone interested in becoming a public governor to consider standing when nominations open. Public governors help ensure local views are heard and play an important part in good, constructive governance.
You can find out more about our Council of Governors and becoming a member of our Foundation Trust at: Becoming a member – Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Voluntary redundancy scheme
Like NHS organisations across Devon and the country, we are operating in a very challenging financial environment. We have been open with our colleagues, governors and the public about the significant financial pressures facing Devon’s NHS and the difficult decisions required to live within the funding available while continuing to provide safe, high‑quality care.
During the past three years, we have taken substantial steps to improve efficiency and reduce costs while protecting patient care. This includes working collaboratively with partners to share services and reduce duplication, introducing new ways of working, improving urgent and emergency care and investing in technology such as our new electronic patient record. Despite this progress, further savings are required to return to financial balance.
As with other NHS trusts, the majority of our funding is spent on staffing. For this reason, our Board has agreed to open a time‑limited voluntary redundancy (VR) scheme, in common with other providers locally and nationally.
The scheme is entirely voluntary, has been approved by NHS England and is designed to offer choice where it is safe and practical for roles to reduce or change. There is no obligation for anyone to apply and we are not setting targets for numbers of people to leave. Applying for voluntary redundancy does not automatically mean a request will be agreed and applying does not commit either the individual or the organisation to completing the process.
Each application is carefully assessed on a case‑by‑case basis. No application will be approved if it would create an unmanageable risk to patient safety or service delivery, or compromise the care we provide to our communities. Patient safety and quality of care remain our absolute priorities.
We recognise that decisions about voluntary redundancy are deeply personal and may feel unsettling. Support is available to all colleagues, including access to line managers, trade union representatives, wellbeing services and the Employee Assistance Programme and colleagues are encouraged to take time and seek advice before making any decisions.
The voluntary redundancy scheme is one part of a wider programme of work to ensure our organisation is financially sustainable and able to continue providing safe, compassionate hospital, community and adult social care services across Torbay and South Devon. The scheme does not change our commitment to maintaining essential local services, now and in the future.