Role of Governors

A governing body:

• Must appoint a chair and vice-chair
• Makes decisions collectively as a team and works closely with the Headteacher
• Is legally required to meet at least once a term – many meet twice
• Will have a committee structure enabling issues to be discussed in detail before recommendations are put to the full governing body, some matters will also be delegated to a committee

Governors Responsibilities

Although the head teacher is responsible for the day to day management of the school, he/she will be implementing policies made by the governing body.

It’s the responsibility of the governing body to:

• Agree the aims and values of the school
• Draw up and review the School Development Plan
• Make and review school policies
• Set and monitor the school budget
• Appoint Staff
• Ensure the National Curriculum is taught
• Ensure the needs of the individual pupils are met, including special needs
• Prepare and present the Annual Report to Parents
• Establish and maintain positive links with the local community
• Have a published strategy for dealing with parental complaints
• Ensure Health & Safety issues are addressed.

Governing Bodies DO NOT

• Inspect the school
• After visiting the school, report back on the quality of teaching
• Authorise all expenditure
• Share concerns about staff capability
• Decide on how pupils are taught different subjects
• Have the right to exclude a pupil
• Write school policies on their own
• ‘Rubber Stamp’ recommendations from the head teacher

Types of Governor

• Foundation governors: appointed by the Diocese
• Parent governors: selected by election (or appointment if insufficient people stand for election) and drawn from parents and carers of children at the school
• Staff governors: selected by election from teaching and support staff paid to work at the school
• Co-opted governors: appointed by the governing body on the basis of skills and experience
• Authority governors: appointed by the local authority
• Associate members (not governors): appointed by the governing body to attend committee meetings and/or full governing body meetings due to their particular skills or experience.