A formal governance structure consisting of four sub-committees is in place to help Trust board fulfill their responsibilities. The Board delegates authority to these committees and receives a formal report from them at each of its Trust Board meetings.

Each Trust Board sub-committee is chaired by a Non-Executive Director and has agreed terms of reference which detail its remit and limits of authority.

Audit Committee

Is responsible for reviewing the Trust’s governance, risk management and internal control systems. It also receives reports from the Trust’s internal and external auditors. Our Audit Committee is a non-Executive committee that is constituted in line with the best practice guidance contained in the NHS Audit Committee Handbook 2005.

The Audit Committee meets bimonthly and is chaired by a qualified accountant who has significant public sector audit committee experience. Others in attendance include our external auditor, internal auditors, our Chief Finance Officer and other senior finance staff. Our local counter fraud specialist attends at least every second meeting and other staff attend as required. At least once a year, the non-Executive members of the committee host a private meeting with the external auditor and internal auditors.

Remuneration Committee

Is responsible for determining the remuneration and terms of service of the Trust’s Executive Directors. The Remuneration Committee meets formally twice per year, and is chaired by the Trust Chairman. Others in attendance include our Board Secretary.

Quality Governance Committee

The Quality Governance Committee acts as the principal source of advice and expertise to the Trust Board on patient safety, audit and effectiveness, and quality. It oversees and monitors the corporate delivery of patient experience, risk management, and Registration Standards, and ensures that we have the appropriate strategies, processes, systems, policies, and procedures in place to deliver the necessary standards of care. The Quality Governance Committee is chaired by a Non-Executive Director and has three additional Non-Executive Director members.

Finance and Performance Committee

Is responsible for reviewing our performance against key financial and operational targets, our key financial strategies and policies, and our financial management arrangements.