YOUR GOVERNING BODY: EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE? Support and ideas for the Clerk and the Governing Body Pam Langmead Essex Clerks’ Conference 2009

Objectives In this session, you will have the opportunity to consider and discuss: What does “effective” look like in a school, a governing body and a clerk? Have they got the structures and procedures right? Is the communication effective? Are your governors doing their bit?

So what does effective look like? Some schools are more effective than others, some governing bodies are more effective than others and – it has to be said – some clerks are more effective than others. What are the characteristics which lead to effectiveness?

High Organisational Effectiveness

Features of an effective school It is the governing body and headteacher working together who are ultimately responsible for ensuring that their school is effective in promoting high standards of educational achievement and securing the welfare of its pupils. Effective governance involves teamwork between the headteacher, staff, governors and community. However, as clerk you are also helping to meet this objective and it is therefore important that you are aware of the qualities that it is considered are necessary to make a school effective.

Features of an effective school Professional leadership – the head is the professional leader who should make sure that all staff have opportunities to show leadership and take part in decision making Shared vision and goals – a common sense of purpose and clear targets A learning environment – a climate in which pupils are able and willing to learn A learning organisation – learning and development for all – adults and children alike

Key qualities of an effective governing body Effective teamwork – it is essential that the governing body acts as a team and not as a collection of individuals. Each governor should attend governing body meetings and share the workload Equal status – all governors have equal status and everyone’s opinions should be valued and respected Collective decisions – decisions should be made democratically. Collective responsibility is required and governors must be loyal to the majority view

Key qualities of an effective governing body Relationships – there must be a good working relationship between governors and the headteacher. Each must have a clear understanding of their respective roles and have regard to the boundaries Confidentiality – must be respected at all times Effective time management and delegation – the governing body must operate professionally and efficiently, with appropriate delegation and regard to everyone’s work load and work-life balance

Features of an effective clerk As clerk you will need to ensure that the governing body meet legal and procedural matters in accordance with statutory requirements. The following qualities are considered to be vital in being an effective clerk

Features of an effective clerk Be a team player – build good relationships and be totally loyal to the governing body Be involved with your school – know what’s happening Gain knowledge – undertake training, keep abreast of new developments, keep the Guide to the Law by your bedside (and read it occasionally!) Ask for help – know when and where to find help and advice Be organised – keep to deadlines and organise the paperwork

Features of an effective clerk Use common sense – there will often be issues which arise which are not “in the rule book” Be prompt for meetings Be calm at all times – even when you don’t feel like it! Be dependable and confident – so that governors know that they can rely on you Be trustworthy – maintain confidentiality

Have they got the structures right? Committee structure review Committee clerking review Effective chairing of the governing body and committees Time management and delegation

Is the communication effective? Sending out the paperwork Communication at meetings Agenda setting and approval of the minutes Relationship between the Head, Chair and Clerk Do the governors know each other and use their skills and interests to contribute to the Governing Body?

Are your governors doing their bit? Activity Consider the audit in the handout and review whether the Governing Body is doing all it can to support you as Clerk to make sure you can do a really good job.

What else can we do? Schedule a termly agenda setting meeting to ensure that purposeful agendas are set in a timely fashion Undertake regular self-evaluation and audit exercises to ensure that the governing body is effective and efficient Encourage and enable the Clerk and all governors to undertake training and access support to enable them to carry out their role effectively Don’t reinvent the wheel!

Support for clerks and governors Essex Governor Services 01245 436318 www.essex.gov.uk/governors Essex Clerks’ Association www.essexclerks.org Governorline 08000 722 181 Governornet www.governornet.co.uk/

Objectives The objectives of the session were to give you the opportunity to consider and discuss: What does “effective” look like in a school, a governing body and a clerk? Have they got the structures and procedures right? Is communication effective? Are your governors doing their bit?