Importance of being a Governor
A strong, well-led governing body, supportive of the school, its
staff and its mission makes an important contribution to the
school's well-being and effectiveness.
Being a governor is a major piece of Christian and
community service. No one should undertake the role
lightly. It involves time, energy and a willingness to become
involved in the life of the school on a regular basis over at least
four years. Churches should recognise and support all those who
undertake this responsibility in a Church school.
Governing bodies
They are an integral part of the school leadership team and are
responsible for;
- setting the Christian ethos of the school;
- developing the school improvement plan
- making decisions about expenditure of the school budget
- challenging and holding the headteacher to account
- They also monitor the implementation of the policies developed
in consultation with the school leadership team.
Sometimes the governing body is referred to as the critical
friend of the school. It is a strategic role: governors are not
involved in the day to day running of the school: that is the
responsibility of the headteacher.
In voluntary aided, foundation schools and academies, the
governing body is the employer of the staff. The National
Society has its own suite of contracts.
Members
The constitution of the governing body and the ways people can
be appointed or elected to the body is laid down in the
Instrument of Government. In Church schools the
Instrument will contain an ethos statement, derived from the
school's trust deed, laying out the main purposes of the school.
All the school policies should take the ethos statement as their
starting point.
The governing body is a body corporate made up of individuals
who together make a significant impact on the lives of their
employees, pupils and the wider community. Foundation
Governors have an especial care for the
school's Christian character. Governors must behave
individually and collectively in a trustworthy manner.