Corporate governance

Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust (C&I) is a Public Benefit Corporation that was authorised in 2008 in accordance with the provisions of the National Health Service Act 2006. The NHS Act 2006 (as amended by the Health and Social Care Act 2012) sets out the legal framework within which Foundation Trusts operate. The Trust's constitution sets out who can be members of the Foundation Trust and how it should conduct its business.

Since the 1 April 2013, all NHS Foundation Trusts need a licence from NHS Improvement stipulating specific conditions that they must meet to operate. Key among these are financial sustainability and governance requirements.

What is Corporate Governance?

Corporate governance is the system by which board-led organisations, including Foundation Trusts, are directed and controlled at its most senior levels, in order to achieve its objectives and meet the necessary standards of accountability and probity. Effective corporate governance, along with clinical governance, is essential for a Foundation Trust to achieve its clinical, quality and financial objectives.

Corporate governance is largely about how the Board conducts its business and is separate from day-to-day operational management carried out by the executive directors and senior management team.

The 'UK Corporate Governance Code' produced by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC Code) is the authoritative point of reference regarding corporate governance in the UK and is also applicable to Foundation Trusts. Foundation Trusts also have their own Code of Governance published by the Foundation Trust Regulator NHS Improvement (formerly Monitor) with which they must comply or explain the reasons why they have chosen not to comply.

Corporate Governance Manual

The Trust's Corporate Governance Manual is made up of a number of documents that adopt and reflect the Nolan Principles of Conduct in Public Life, and help to ensure that all staff meet the high standards of accountability and integrity required of NHS employees. These key corporate governance documents are available to download.

Please note: These documents are controlled. Whilst the documents may be printed, the electronic version posted on the intranet and website is the controlled copy. Any printed copies of these documents are not controlled. As a controlled document, documents should not be saved onto local or network drives but should always be accessed from the intranet or website.