All governing boards, no matter what type of schools or how many schools they govern have three core functions:
• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
• Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the performance management of staff; and
• Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent.
The Board of Governors is accountable for the performance of the school and it fulfils this by setting the aims of the school and its priorities for improvement. It agrees, monitors and evaluates the policies, targets and actions by which the school will move forward, including setting and monitoring the school budget.
The role of the Board of Governors is strategic. Governors are not expected to be involved in the detail of the day-to-day management of the school. The headteachers have responsibility for the internal organisation, management and control of the school and for implementation of the strategic framework established by the governing body.
The Board of Governors works in partnership with the headteachers and the senior leadership team. Acting as ‘critical friends’ the Board of Governors has a role to support and challenge the work of the school.
Governors must act corporately. Individual governors do not have the power to act alone unless the corporate governing body has given them the authority to do so. Individual governors have a broadly representative role but they are part of a team. They are not delegates and do not have any kind of mandate from the body who elected or appointed them.
Queries and concerns about any aspect of school life should, in the first instance, be directed to the appropriate member of school staff rather than to individual governors. It is important that governors are not involved in issues which may become formal complaints as this prevents governors from dealing with the matter impartially at a later stage. Should you wish to pursue the matter further, having first attempted to resolve the issue with the relevant school staff, then please put your concern in writing to the chair of governors.
In addition, the Board is supported by a number of committees which have delegated authorities
Resources – monitors the Federation finances, Health and Safety issues and staffing matters. It meets every half term.
Teaching and Learning- focuses on standards and attainment. It meets every half term
Pay and Performance – ensures that staff appraisal is appropriately carried out. It meets three times a year
Any work undertaken by the committees is reported back to the full board.
There are two further committees which only meet if there is a need for them to do so. These committees are convened to consider any formal proceedings, such as a staff disciplinary issue or the permanent exclusion of a pupil
The terms of reference for each of these committees explains what delegated authority the committee has been given to make decisions on behalf of the board.
We welcome any interest in the work of the governing body. If you would like to know more about the governing body or attend any of its meetings please contact the Chairs or Vice Chair of governors to discuss.
