Governor responsibilities

Responsibilities of a governor

The core functions of the governing body include, but are not limited to:

• the vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school are clearly defined
• the headteacher performs their responsibilities for the educational performance of the school
• the sound, proper and effective use of the school’s financial resources

Additionally, governors are expected to abide by a Code of Conduct based on the Nolan principles of public life. They must attend meetings of the governing body, which are held at least three times a year. The meetings are usually in the evening for two hours. Governors are expected to read the agenda and any documents in advance of the meeting, as well as ask relevant questions. It's also necessary for governors to get to know their school, support the school community, arrange visits, and attend training sessions to make sure their knowledge and skills are up to date.

Chair and vice-chair

All governing bodies must elect a chair and vice-chair. The governing body decides how long the term of office for these positions are, from one to four years. Anyone employed at the school can’t be elected to these positions.

The chair is the main link between the governing body and the headteacher and must work closely with the headteacher on school matters, listen to concerns and give advice.

The chair should:

• make sure the governing body's actions are conducted within the law
• ensure meetings start and finish on time and agendas are properly discussed
• work with the clerk and headteacher to agree meetings, agendas and minutes
• help plan the yearly cycle of meetings and work
• read up on local and national educational issues and share this information
• attend additional training and meetings
• take action on behalf of the governing body if delays would be harmful

The vice-chair assumes the role of chair if the current chair is unavailable.

Each committee of the governing body will have a chair, who leads the discussions and makes sure the decisions of the committee are conveyed back to the governing body. They will also work with the clerk and headteacher to agree agendas and minutes.

Safeguarding governor

Governing bodies have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children at the school. They also have to make sure the school has effective child protection policies in place that meet local and national guidance.

Governing bodies must appoint a safeguarding governor, who champions child protection issues, keeps up to date with legal developments, attends additional training and provides information and reports to the governing body.

Committees

If you join one of the committees of the governing body then you will also have to attend the meetings. The committees usually meet at least once a term, but some meet more than others.

Positive culture

An effective governing body sets and safeguards high expectations for the school community, including:

• the expected behaviours, progress and attainment of all pupils
• the conduct and professionalism of its staff, the governing body and its committee members
• promotes its vision, culture, values and ethos across the whole school and makes sure that is reflected in its policies and its practices
• supports a whole school approach to safeguarding and child protection, making sure all systems, processes and policies operate with the best interests of the child or young person at its centre

Governor conduct and behaviour

Effective governing bodies create and maintain a code of conduct which is agreed by all governors. Breaching the code of conduct could result in the governor suspension, or in more severe cases, the removal of a governor.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion should be an integral part of the governing body’s strategy. It's important this includes not just legal or regulatory obligations but also how equality, diversity and inclusion is championed and embedded throughout the school.

Schools must abide by the Equality Act 2010. It applies to all maintained schools as providers of education to their pupils and to those who have applied for admission as pupils. Where the governing body is also the employer, it must also be aware of its responsibilities under the Act.

Governing bodies may find guidance from the Government Equalities Office on positive action in the workplace for employers helpful.

In schools with a religious character, the governing body may have the right to use its own judgement when making employment decisions relating to staff. For further information, read the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, section 58 and guidance on managing staff employment in school, chapter 6.

Equality Act 2010: advice for schools provides information for schools, including general exceptions and special issues for protected characteristics.

Health and safety governor

Governing bodies have a responsibility to make sure the school has effective health and safety policies in place which meet local and national guidance. Some governing bodies appoint a health and safety governor who carries out health and safety inspections of the school at least once a term, keeps up to date with legal developments, attends additional training and provides information and reports to the governing body.

Special educational needs and disability governor

Governing bodies have specific legal responsibilities in relation to pupils with Special educational needs and disability (SEND), and must appoint a specific SEND governor. The SEND governor liaises with the school’s Special education needs coordinator and makes sure the governing body fulfils its responsibilities for Special education needs.