NHS Foundation Trust

I used to work for a foundation trust, and the trust I work for now is working towards foundation status.

Being a cynic, I would say that it's all about money and autonomy. Foundation trusts have to break even or make a profit, but have 'members' who govern it - staff and patients. My old trust made sure that they broke even by limiting the more senior grades of nursing staff. They are free to pursue their own business interests, which one would hope reflected the needs of the local community.

My Trust has been foundation for about a year now. At a grass roots level, I cant see any difference but I think they (being the Board) have much more financial freedom.

The Trust has to have a membership made up from patients & the public - anyone who is interested really. From the membership the Board of Govenors, is selected and they have the power to hire & fire the Chairman (& I think the Chief Exec) So basically, if the Board is incompetent or are not providing what the membership & local community want, it's bye-bye Chairman. There is also an independant regulator called Monitor who make sure that the trust is financially secure and well managed and have the power to intervene if standards fall.

Thats how I understand it anyway!