Foundation Trusts have been given a unique set of freedoms giving them the opportunity to deliver very high quality and locally accountable health services.
They are part of the NHS, answerable to Parliament, and are legally required to provide specific services defined for each Trust. Their wide membership elects governors who hold the Trust to account, appoint the chair, and approve the appointment of other members of the board.
Foundation Trusts do not make profits, but reinvest any surplus in developing services. They have the power to raise funds, and as long as they remain financially sound, and meet quality requirements, they are free to develop and improve services. All this puts Foundation Trusts in a great position to improve local health services.
Foundation Trusts are assessed, authorised and regulated by an independent regulator called Monitor, and by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). They must lay an annual report and an audited set of accounts before Parliament every year. However, they are subject to fewer centrally-imposed constraints, and can make local decisions that benefit local people.
1) Contact our Foundation Trust Office:
Foundation Trust Office
Norfolk & Waveney Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
Hellesdon Hospital
Drayton High Road
Norwich
NR6 5BE
2) Contact Department of Health Publications, where the following titles are available:
- “A Short Guide to NHS Foundation Trusts”: ID 32910
- “Frequently Asked Questions about NSH Foundation Trusts”: ID 33207
- “Guide to Membership”: ID 33141
- “Guide to Governors”: ID 33142
Department of Health Publications
PO Box 777
London SE1 6XH
3) Visit the Monitor website
4) Membership information