Send your FT questions to membership.cnwl@nhs.net and we'll publish them along with the answers.

 

What is a Foundation Trust?
A Foundation Trust is a new type of organisation that involves service users, carers, the public and staff in the way it is run and its future development by creating a membership and a Members' Council. 

Foundation Trusts are part of the National Health Service and provide free care based on the needs of patients. They are also required to meet at least the same standards of service and care as all NHS trusts and are regularly inspected.

Why become a Foundation Trust?
CNWL was invited by the Department of Health to become a Foundation Trust based on its performance rating of three stars, which is the highest award given to NHS trusts. 

What are the advantages of becoming a Foundation Trust?
Greater independence in service provision and more control of financial management. By becoming a Foundation Trust we will have greater freedom to develop our services in line with the specific needs of the communities across the boroughs we serve. We are also able to involve those communities, and our staff, in the decisions we take to ensure we provide the most suitable services when and where they are needed.

CNWL has full control of its financial management so funds can be directed to where they are required most. Legally binding contracts have been agreed with commissioners for three years to ensure future funds, which gives us greater financial stability. This stability will make sure that we can give the best care to our service users.

How does a Foundation Trust operate?
The Board of Directors runs the day-to-day operations of the Trust. In addition, a Council of Members has been made up of elected members of the public, service users, carers, and staff and appointed people from local organisations such as NHS primary care trusts, local authorities and voluntary services. The Council of Members represents the interests of the local community and is involved in deciding the strategic direction and development of the Trust. It is not involved in operational matters.

How does it benefit patients and local communities?
Decisions regarding services are taken with service users and local communities to provide the sort of service needed in the way patients would like to receive it. By becoming members, service users and local residents will be kept updated on the Trust’s work and will have the opportunity to become involved in shaping our future plans by becoming governors.

How does it benefit staff?
As members of the Trust, staff have a voice on the Council of Members and directly contribute to our future plans. We have the freedom to develop local staff initiatives such as new ways of working and new types of job to better meet the needs of the communities we serve.

How many members will the Trust have?
There are no set numbers for membership, but for a Trust the size of CNWL we should aim to recruit around 4,000 members initially. This will include the 3,000 staff the Trust employs. There will then be a plan devised to grow the membership year on year.

Who can become a member? 
Members of the public who live in the greater London area. Service users and carers who have used our services in the past three years. Any member of staff who is a permanent employee or on a fixed term contract for more than one year including staff from joint working organisations such as social services.

 

Finding Out More

To download a short leaflet giving an introduction to Foundation Trust status please click here.

If you are interested in becoming a member of our Foundation Trust please click here to complete an on-line application form.