Chris Orme Clerk, Birch CofE Aided Primary School and Clacton County High School Back to Basics

Programme Responsibilities of governing bodies. Responsibilities of clerk. A successful meeting. Constitution of governing bodies. School governance procdures regulations. Agenda for meetings. Minutes of meetings. Delegation of functions.

Responsibilities of a Governing Body 1.General Responsibility for the conduct of the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement. 2.The governing body has a largely strategic role in the running of the school. 3.The governing body sets aims and objectives for the school. 4.It adopts policies for achieving these aims and objectives. 5.The governors set targets for achieving the aims and objectives 6.The governing body monitors and evaluates progress towards achievement of the aims. 7.Regularly reviews the framework for the school in the light of progress. 8.It will appoint the headteacher and deputy headteacher. 9.The governors annually set the budget and monitor expenditure throughout the year. 10.Governors must promote the well being of pupils at the school. 11.Extended Schools – The Core Offer. 12.Governors must promote community cohesion. 13.The governing body must comply with relevant Acts of Parliament and regulations made by the Secretary of State.

The Clerks Role 1.To prepare and despatch the agenda. 2.To ensure governors have the opportunity to fulfil their statutory responsibilities. 3.To liaise with the chair and headteacher. 4.To attend the meeting. 5.To offer advice on procedures. 6.To take notes at the meeting. 7.To prepare minutes of the meeting. 8.To maintain records of membership. 9.To write letters on behalf of the governing body. 10.To keep up to date with developments in governance.

Constitution All governing bodies must have: Parent governors; Staff governors; Local authority governors. Church schools also have: Foundation governors; Community governors (controlled schools only). Foundation schools also have: Community governors; Partnership governors. All schools can have: Associate members;. Sponsor governors.

What Makes a Successful Meeting 1.Early preparation. 2.Consult on draft agenda. 3.Ensure all governors have a current term of office. 4.Have names, addresses and contact details for all governors. 5.Send agenda to all governors at least seven days before a meeting. 6.Ask head to produce report and ensure this is sent to all governors. 7.Ensure minutes of committee meetings are sent to all governors. 8.Ensure that matters arising from previous meetings are picked up. 9.Arrive at meeting venue in good time and speak to chair and head. 10.Sit next to chair and head to aid communication during meeting. 11.Take good clear notes at the meeting. 12.Write minutes as soon as possible.