The recent cases of Basildon and Thurrock, and Colchester hospitals have highlighted the need for Trusts to have robust governance software solutions that provide boards with the assurance they need that the hospital is well run. Boards need to ensure they are not “kept in the dark” and governance software can and must ensure that no one has the capability to do that. 

Both the Basildon and Thurrock, and Colchester cases highlighted failures and shortcomings in the governance of the hospitals in question.  Further hospitals are also on alert.  While governance was not the only factor cited to cause the CQC and Monitor respectively to intervene, certainly it has been indicated that improvements in governance would have made a significant difference in both cases.

These high profile cases show that reliance on paper-based reporting and manual processes for compiling and disseminating information for board assurance are no longer sufficient.  Governance software is now widely available providing a user friendly, comprehensive system for recording, managing, planning and alerting board and committee members for all aspects of their board assurance requirements.

Alister Esam, Managing Director eShare says “By using software specifically developed for governance, trusts can put in place a robust system for managing all aspects of Board Assurance and ensuring effective Governance.”  He continues “With governance software solution in place boards gain confidence that systems are working correctly and that they have access to the information they need for their assurance.”  

By simplifying and streamlining the processes and administration of governance and Board Assurance, governance software frees committee members and administrators from the burden of paperwork, to spend more time on core activity.  

“Trusts need software to help manage their board assurance and reduce the administrative burden that so often is associated with board assurance and detracts from effective governance” says Esam, “Many Trust’s still rely on in-house, ad-hoc and disparate systems, even paper-based reporting.  It is far more effective to have a joined up, auditable approach to board and committee meetings, knowledge resources, risk register, procedures and associated decision-making.”

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