Governors Roles

The Governing Body

The Governing Body needs to take a strategic role, act as a critical friend to the School and be accountable for its decisions. It should set aims and objectives and agree, monitor and review policies, targets and priorities.

Terms of reference:

To agree constitutional matters*, including procedures where the Governing Body has discretion
To draw up the instrument of government and any amendments thereafter*
To recruit new members as vacancies arise and to appoint new governors* where appropriate
To hold at least three Governing Body meetings a year*
To appoint or remove the Chair and Vice Chair*
To appoint or remove a Clerk to the Governing Body*
To establish the committees of the Governing Body and their terms of reference*
To appoint the Chair of any committee (if not delegated to the committee itself)
To appoint or remove a Clerk to each committee*
To suspend a governor*
To decide which functions of the Governing Body will be delegated to committees, groups and individuals*
To review the delegation arrangements annually* (links to SFVS evidence 3)
To receive reports from any individual or committee to whom a decision has been delegated and to consider whether any further action by the Governing Body is necessary*
To approve the first formal budget plan of the financial year (if not delegated to a committee)
To institute and keep the Health and Safety Policy and its practice under review and to make revisions where appropriate
To set up a Register of Governors’ Business Interests
To review and formally approve the policy for Pecuniary Interests (links to SFVS evidence 20) unless delegated to the Finance Committee
To review and monitor the Summary School Self Evaluation Form annually (if not delegated to the Steering Committee)
To formally approve and adopt the School Development Plan (links to SFVS evidence 29)
To review and formally approve the Governing body Decision Planner on an annual basis (links to SFVS evidence 1)
To oversee the arrangements for the induction of new governors to include an induction pack and procedures (links to SFVS evidence 7)
To consider training requirements on a regular basis to include whole Governing body and individual governor training (links to SFVS evidence 24)
To ensure all documents required under statutory regulation are published on the school’s website
Any items which individual governing bodies may wish to include

*these matters cannot be delegated to either a committee or an individual

The Role of the Chair of the Governing Body

To ensure the business of the Governing Body is conducted properly, in accordance with legal and Suffolk County Council delegation requirements.
To ensure meetings are run effectively, focusing on priorities and making the best use of time available, and to ensure that all members have an equal opportunity to participate in discussion and decision-making
To establish and foster an effective relationship with the Headteacher based on trust and mutual respect for each other’s roles. The Chair has an important role in ensuring that the Governing Body acts as a sounding board to the Headteacher and provides strategic direction

Disqualification: The Headteacher, Staff Governors, Pupils, Staff Members.

The Role of the Clerk to the Governing Body

To work effectively with the Chair of Governors, the other Governors and the Headteacher to support the Governing Body
To advise the Governing Body on Constitutional and Procedural Matters, duties and powers
To convene meetings of the Governing Body
To attend meetings of the Governing Body and ensure minutes are taken
To maintain a register of members of the Governing Body and report vacancies to the Governing Body
To give and receive notices in accordance with relevant regulations
To perform such other functions as may be determined by the Governing Body from time to time

Disqualification: Governors, Associate Members, the Headteacher.

The Role of the Chair of a Committee

To ensure the business of the Committee is conducted properly, in accordance with legal requirements
To ensure meetings are run effectively, focusing on priorities and making the best use of time available, and to ensure that all members have an equal opportunity to participate in discussion and decision-making

Disqualification: None.

The Role of the Clerk to Committees

To advise the Committee on procedural and legal matters
To convene meetings of the Committee
To attend meetings of the Committee and ensure minutes are taken
To perform such other functions with respect to the Committee as may be determined by the Governing Body from time to time

Disqualification: The Headteacher.