Recent news issued by NHS Providers reports that, following a survey of 300,000 NHS frontline staff, there is evidence which demonstrates clear links between levels of staff engagement and improvements for trusts. Outcomes included patient satisfaction, patient mortality, trust performance ratings, staff absenteeism and turnover, concluding that the more engaged a workforce is, the better the outcomes for patients.
As one of the UK’s leading providers of Council of Governor Elections, UK Engage understands the relationship between staff engagement and improved results. From the number of nominations received to the number of votes cast, engagement with members, both staff and public, can make a difference to an election process.
UK Engage explores some of the ways that NHS Foundation Trusts can better engage with staff before and during an election process.
Early engagement
The notice of election in a Council of Governors process is a minimum of 40 days before the ballot phase but you can begin the awareness campaign much earlier. UK Engage has observed that a well-organised, pre-election awareness phase can result in contested elections. This is because the staff and public members have more time to digest the information and understand what is involved in becoming a governor. They have time to ask questions of the Independent Scrutineer and decide if they have the qualities required to become an effective governor.
Utilise your existing communication channels
Trusts should coordinate with both their communications team and election provider to promote election activity across multiple touchpoints. Emails, intranet articles, newsletters and social media posts are effective for reaching staff and public members alike. These can be used to explain the role of governors, key dates in the election process, and how to get involved.
Your trust will have numerous communication channels which it already uses to communicate with members. Newsletters, blogs, videos, e-shots, intranets and social media are all channels that are readily available to promote your election message. Trusts should work with their election provider and their communications team to promote election-related messages through as many existing channels as possible.
In our experience, other options which work particularly well, especially when it comes to staff engagement, are on-site promotions such as pull-up banners and posters. These are cost-effective ways to raise awareness and generate interest with staff.
Make It Easy To Participate
Taking the complexity out of any process makes it more appealing. That’s what we have found with our online nomination and e-voting platforms. Completing a nomination form online is quick and easy to do, members can save their applications, upload photos and there is no need to post an application, it can be sent to the independent scrutineer with a single click. Likewise, e-voting systems allow members to vote with ease. Social share functions can further generate awareness around a ballot process.
Highlight Digital Engagement Tools
Digital tools now play a vital role in supporting Council of Governor elections. Many Trusts use online nomination and voting systems to simplify the process and make it more accessible. These platforms are quick, user-friendly, and help boost participation—particularly among younger members.
Promoting elections through email, social media and digital newsletters can also raise awareness and drive engagement. These channels make it easier to inform members about key dates, roles and how to get involved.
By adopting digital engagement tools, Trusts can modernise their election process, improve accessibility, and encourage wider participation from their membership.
Need support with your next Council of Governors election?
At UK Engage, we help NHS Foundation Trusts increase engagement and deliver smooth, compliant elections. From nomination to results, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today on 0345 293 5555 or democracy@uk-engage.org to find out how we can support your Trust.