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Written question asked by Luke Charters (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 July 2026. It was answered by Karin Smyth (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 August 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

NHS Foundation Trusts: Public Appointments

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential implications of transferring responsibility for appointing NHS Foundation Trust Chairs and Non-Executive Directors from locally elected governors to central bodies.

Answer

Governors at the 141 National Health Service foundation trusts are currently responsible for appointing their trusts’ chairs and non-executive directors. Subject to the will of Parliament, the Health Bill will transfer this power to my Rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. We will publish our intended approach to making these appointments in due course which will support foundation trusts to plan and make arrangements in good time ahead of the transfer being made.

As set out in our 10-Year Health Plan, while governors have provided helpful advice and oversight for some foundation trusts, we expect the next generation of foundation trusts to put in place more responsive and flexible arrangements for drawing on patient, staff and stakeholder insight. Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, providers should develop engagement arrangements that reflect their local populations, geographies and healthcare needs.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
15176
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Directors Public appointments NHS foundation trusts
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk