Governors

Introduction to the Governing Body

Jodie Terry, Chair of Governors

The role of the governing body is a strategic one, its key functions are to:
• • – set the aims and objectives for the school
  • – set the policies for achieving those aims and objectives
  • – set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives
  • – monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives
  • – be a source of challenge and support to the headteacher (a critical friend)

The headteacher is responsible for the internal organisation, management and control of the school and the implementation of the strategic framework established by the governing body.
Who can become a governor?
Almost anyone over 18 years of age can become a governor. There are no particular qualifications or requirements, other than a willingness to give time to the role and a capacity for working with other people.
There are also different categories of governor:

• • parent
  • staff
  • community
  • local authority

The type of governor you will become depends on your situation; however all governors have the same roles and responsibilities once part of the governing body.
What do governors do? Why be one?
Governors are unpaid volunteers responsible for the oversight and strategic management of their school. That responsibility covers all aspects of the school and includes the curriculum, finance, premises, staff and pupils.
Why are governors needed?
Governors are needed to give or maintain the school’s ethos and vision and to ensure that it is accountable to its community.
How are governors appointed?
Governors are elected by the parents or staff at the school or are appointed by the Council, the church authorities (in the case of church schools) or by the governing body itself. The Council makes its appointments to governing bodies by seeking nominations from the political parties represented on the Council.