Governors make vital decisions which influence the quality of education our children receive and that is a considerable responsibility and commitment on your part. As a governor, there is a lot to learn and do, much of which will be enjoyable, particularly
the tasks which bring you into contact with the school staff and pupils.
You do not have to be an ‘expert’ or ‘professional’ to be a good school governor, but you may find some of the training courses outlined in the Prospectus of Courses useful which can be found in the School governance & Workforce Development, Training section.
We would strongly recommend new governors to attend the next Introduction to Governance course for details below, which is repeated throughout the year and suitable for governors and trustees.
Introduction to Governance course - bookings are made through the
www.skills4bradford.co.uk website, any queries can be sent to school.governor@bradford.gov.uk . An account will be set up for you on the site when your Clerk to Governors sends us your information as
a new governor
Regular attendance at meetings
The meeting is where the governing board makes the big decisions that affect children, staff, and school families. It is very important that all governors take part in this decision making. Please make every effort not to miss meetings. If the meetings are
at a difficult time for you, please let the clerk know. If missing a meeting is unavoidable, then you should send apologies as soon as you can.
School Governing Board Regulations state that if a governor fails to attend for six months, the governor can be automatically removed from the Board.
Membership of a Governing Board Committee
Much of the work of the governing board takes place through governing board committees. Ideally every governor should serve on at least one committee. A committee meets once or twice a term. Committees provide good opportunities for new governors to get involved
right away and because the group is small it is easier to take a full part in all discussions. Loal Academy Councils are already committees of the trust Board so often do not have their own committees.
Be Prepared
You will be sent meeting papers at least seven days before the meeting. Meetings can only be purposeful if everyone has prepared well; this means reading the papers and making notes of any questions or points you wish to make.
If you have any questions before the meeting you can contact the headteacher, chair of governors or clerk to governors who would all be pleased to help.
Stick to the Agenda
Governors decide what should be discussed at meetings. If you would like to put something on the agenda, contact the chair or the clerk at least a fortnight before the date of the meeting. Once the agenda is set, only urgent or unforeseen items can be dealt
with under Any Other Business. Avoid bringing personal issues to the meetings.
Respect Confidentiality
It is important that governors share information. However, some things must be kept confidential, discussion of a child or member of staff for example. Sometimes the governing body agrees that a matter is confidential and everyone should then abide by this
decision.
Whether a matter is confidential or not you should only discuss the decisions made not who said what or which governors supported or proposed a decision.
Collective Responsibility
Governors have no ‘power’ as individuals. That lies with the governing board as a whole. The governing board may delegate its responsibilities to a committee or to an individual governor. When parents or others in the community bring ideas or concerns to you,
your first port of call should be the headteacher. Sometimes it is appropriate that such matters are taken to the governing board. Your headteacher and chair of governors can advise you on this.
The governing board rarely votes in order to make a decision. We aim to discuss everything thoroughly and ensure all points or view are listened to and carefully considered before reaching an agreement. Once a decision is made all governors should support
that decision.
Use Plain English!
All governors have an equally important part to play. Experienced governors should avoid using ‘jargon’. New governors should not hesitate to ask for explanations, that way everyone can contribute.
Keep well informed
School Governor Service provides an Introduction to Governance course which all new governors are strongly advised to attend and Safeguarding for new and established governors and Introduction to Finance. Governor training will be a regular item on your agenda.
To book please see www.skills4bradford.co.uk select Provider as School Govenor Service and keyword Introduction to Governance