The Role of Foundation Governors, Directors and Members

1. Foundation Governance – across maintained schools and academies 2. The dual role 3. The Foundation ‘bit’ 4. Where to find your Foundation representation 5. How the appointments work

1. Foundation Governance – across maintained schools and academies

Church of England Foundation Governors (non academy) All now approved by the DBE although still nominated by the PCC The Ex officio foundation governor position is generally held by the Incumbent or Priest in Charge of the benefice in which the school is situated although the relevant Archdeacon can appoint a substitute if the priest is unable to take up position Church of England Foundation Member (academy) The DBE Trust is a corporate member; any person representing the DBE would need to be approved via the definition above. Church of England Foundation Directors (academy) The members of a MAT appoint the directors. The foundation member(s) needs to ensure the correct ratio of foundation directors are appointed. If this falls below the agreed ratio the DBE Trust member needs to appoint additional directors. Foundation directors are approved by the Diocese too. Church of England Foundation Governors (academy) The directors appoint the governors. The foundation directors ensure the foundation governors are in the same ratio as the predecessor school and have all been approved by the Diocese

2. The dual role

A foundation governor is someone who, in the opinion of the person entitled to appoint them, has the skills to contribute to the effective governance and success of the school, and who is appointed for the purpose of securing: - in all cases, that the school’s character (including religious character where it has one) is preserved and developed - that the school is conducted in accordance with the foundation’s governing documents. In appointing a foundation governor, the person entitled to make the appointment should seek to understand and take into account the skills and experience the governing body identifies that they need. ( P.13 The Constitution of governing bodies of maintained schools – Statutory Guidance. DfE, August 2015)

3. The Foundation ‘bit’

1. To uphold the Christian distinctiveness in accordance to the Trust Deed 2. An active member of the ethos committee or similar 3. An active ongoing involvement in SIAMS preparation and follow-up 4. An active interest in collective worship and RE 5. An interface with the incumbent/PCC 6. An interface with Diocese, particularly to ensure all the foundation positions and changes are informed 7. To attend church school specific training 8. To be represented at the Head teacher’s appointment 9. Part of the HT’s performance review. 10. Foundation Member involved in appointment of Directors and ensuring that the % of Foundation Directors is in accordance with Articles and that they have been approved 11. Foundation Directors ensure that Foundation Governors are in the same ratio as the predecessor school and have all been approved

4. Where to find your Foundation representation

“The reforms we have introduced make it easier for boards to recruit a wide mix of highly skilled people.” (Lord Nash, Foreword to The Governance Handbook, November 2015)

The definition of a Foundation governor, director or member: 1. A practising member of the Church of England with a commitment to the church school ethos. 2. A member of a Christian church (Churches Together or Evangelical Alliance) with a commitment to the church school ethos. 3. Although not a member of a Christian church, demonstrates the ability and commitment to celebrate and develop the Christian ethos of the school.

5. How the appointments work

Church of England Foundation Governors (non academy) All now approved by the DBE although still nominated by the PCC The Ex officio foundation governor position is generally held by the Incumbent or Priest in Charge of the benefice in which the school is situated although the relevant Archdeacon can appoint a substitute if the priest is unable to take up position Church of England Foundation Member (academy) The DBE Trust is a corporate member; any person representing the DBE would need to be approved via the definition above. Church of England Foundation Directors (academy) The members of a MAT appoint the directors. The foundation member(s) needs to ensure the correct ratio of foundation directors are appointed. If this falls below the agreed ratio the DBE Trust member needs to appoint additional directors. Foundation directors are approved by the Diocese too. Church of England Foundation Governors (academy) The directors appoint the governors. The foundation directors ensure the foundation governors are in the same ratio as the predecessor school and have all been approved by the Diocese

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