About foundation trusts

The concept of foundation trusts was established by the Health and Social Care Act in 2003. A foundation trust is more accountable to its patients and local community than other NHS trusts. This is achieved by offering people the opportunity to become a member of the trust. Foundation trusts have more freedoms than other NHS trusts and are less directly accountable to the UK government.

As of June 2009, there are more than 120 foundation trusts in England.

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust is in the process of applying for foundation trust status. Our application is the first from a trust that also holds academic health science centre (AHSC) status, in partnership with Imperial College London.

Key differences between foundation trusts and other NHS trusts
Membership
Foundation trusts offer patients, members of the public, staff and other stakeholders the opportunity to become a member of the trust. Becoming a member gives people more of a say in how the trust is run. Members are able to:
• Vote in elections for the trust’s board of governors, or stand for election as a governor
• Take part in consultations on plans for future development of the trust
• Attend key meetings and events
• Receive regular information about the trust

The board of governors communicates the views of members to the trust board, and also approves the appointment of key senior members of staff - the trust’s chair, chief executive and non-executive directors.

Membership of a foundation trust is an excellent way of becoming more involved in the way that the trust works and showing support for your local hospital.
• Read more about becoming a member of our Trust

Regulation
Foundation trusts are not regulated by strategic health authorities. Instead they report to Monitor, the independent regulator of foundation trusts. For more information, go to the Monitor website.

Freedoms
Foundation trusts have more freedom than other NHS trusts. They are able to:
• Adapt some national policies to meet their specific needs
• Borrow money under a special borrowing code that is set by Monitor and based on what the trust can afford to pay back
• Keep the profits of financial surpluses, such as land sales