Governor Elections 2026
Could you be one of our next cohort of governors?
We need people to fill vacancies on our Council of Governors. We're looking for people interested in helping us on our journey of improvement and transformation.
You could play a vital and active role in making sure we improve lives and support optimistic futures for those we provide care and services for across Greater Manchester.
There are no formal qualifications or experiences required but an interest in mental health services and the lived experience of service users and carers would help you in the role. Skills for reading reports and participating in formal meetings would also be useful – but are not essential as we can help and support you develop these skills.
We currently have 17 seats up for election. We are looking for people from Bolton, the City of Manchester, Other England and Wales, Salford, Trafford and Wigan as well as in the Service User and Carer Constituency to represent the views and interests of our members, service users, carers, and colleagues. We are also looking for governors from the Staff Constituencies of Medical, Nursing, Allied Health Professionals, Non-Clinical and Psychological Therapies.
| Constituency and Class | Number of Seats |
| Public - Bolton | 2 |
| Public - City of Manchester | 1 |
| Public - Other England and Wales | 1 |
| Public - Salford | 2 |
| Public - Trafford | 2 |
| Public - Wigan | 2 |
| Service User and Carer | 2 |
| Staff - Medical | 1 |
| Staff - Nursing | 1 |
| Staff - Allied Health Professionals | 1 |
| Staff - Non-Clinical | 1 |
| Staff - Psychological Therapies | 1 |
To be able to stand for election you must
- Be a member of the Trust in the constituency for which you wish to be elected.
- Be 16 years or older.
- Agree to carry out your duties if elected as a Governor.
- Have read the eligibility criteria that will be sent to you with the nomination pack and made sure that none of them apply to you.
- Complete and return your nomination form, election statement and photo by Thursday 19 February 2026 at 5pm.
You can become a member of the Trust by registering online, emailing membership@gmmh.nhs.uk or calling 0161 938 4677.
Becoming a member is a great way to learn about more opportunities to get involved with the Trust and help to challenge stigma and discrimination. It also means you get to vote for who you want to represent you on the Council of Governors.
If you would like to stand for election, register and complete your nomination online or contact the election administrator (UK Engage) to get a pack by post. We must receive your completed form by Thursday 19 February 2026 at 5pm.
Alternatively, you may know someone who would make a great Governor and could encourage them to nominate themselves.
How to contact UK Engage
- Telephone: 0345 209 3770 (costs may vary according to your telephone contact)
- Email: gmmh@uk-engage.org
- Post: UK Engage, The Tannery, Water Street, Stockport SK1 2BP
- Internet: https://nom.uk-engage.org/gmmh (here you can find out about the election and register to complete your nomination online)
Important dates
- Thursday 19 February 2026: Deadline for receipt of completed nominations forms
- Friday 6 March 2026: Ballot packs sent to members of the Trust
- Tuesday 31 March 2026: Voting closes
For more information about the role of a Governor and what to do if you would like to stand for election, please visit our Become a Governor webpage.
