CODES OF PRACTICE FOR GOVERNORS
The Governing Body of...... has agreed the following principles and procedures: -
General
- The governing body is the school’s accountable body. We are responsible for the conduct of the school and for promoting high standards. We aim to ensure that children are attending a successful school which provides them a good education and supports their wellbeing
- We have responsibility for determining, monitoring and keeping under review the broad policies, plans and procedures within which the school operates.
- We recognise that our head teacher is responsible for the implementation of policy, day to day management and control of the school and the implementation and operation of the curriculum.
- We accept that all governors have equal status, and although appointed by different groups (i.e. parents, staff, LA) our overriding concern will be the welfare of the school as a whole.
- We have no legal authority to act individually, except when the governing has given us delegated authority to do so.
- We have a duty to act fairly and without prejudice, and in so far as we have responsibility for staff, we will fulfil all the legal expectations of a good employer
- We will encourage open government and shall be seen to be doing so. We are aware of and accept the Nolan seven principles of public life: see appendix 1
- We will consider carefully how our decisions may affect other schools.
Commitment
- We acknowledge that accepting office as a governor involves the commitment of significant amounts of time. Regular attendance at meetings of both the full governing body and committees is essential
- We will each involve ourselves actively in the work of the governingbody, attend regularly and accept our fair share of responsibilities, including service on committees or working groups.
- We will get to know the school well and respond to opportunities to involve ourselves in school activities.
- We will consider seriously our individual and collective needs for training and development.
Relationships
- We will strive to work as a team in which constructive working relationships are actively promoted
- We will seek to develop effective working relationships with our head teacher, staff, parents, the LEA, Diocese, other relevant agencies and the community.
- We will express views openly, courteously and respectfully in all our communications with other governors
- We will support the chair in their role of ensuring appropriate conduct both at meetings and at all times
Confidentiality
- We will observe confidentiality regarding proceedings of the governing body in meetings and from our visits to school as governors.
- We will observe complete confidentiality when required or asked to do so by the governing body, especially regarding matters concerning individual staff or students.
- We will exercise the greatest prudence if a discussion of a potentially contentious issue affecting the school arises outside the governing body.
Conduct
- We will encourage the open expression of views at meetings, but accept collective responsibility for all decision made by the governing body or its delegated agents. This means we will not speak out against decisions, in public or private, outside the governing body.
- We will only speak or act on behalf of the governing body when we have been specifically authorised to do so.
- In making or responding to criticism or complaints affecting the school we will follow the procedures established by the governing body.
- Our visits to school will be undertaken within the framework established by the governing body, in agreement with the head teacher and staff.
- In discharging our duties we will always be mindful of our responsibility to maintain and develop the ethos and reputation of our school.
- We recognise that discussions and decisions take place in governing body and committee meetings. If we wish to discuss an issue we will request the chair or the clerk to place it on the agenda. We will not raise substantial or contentious items under “any other business” and will consult the chair in advance of the meeting about any issue we wish to raise.
Breach of this Code of Practice
- If we believe that this Code has been breached we will raise the issue with the chair who will investigate; the governing body will only use suspension as a last resort after seeking to resolve any difficulties or disputes in more constructive ways
- We recognise that removing a governor from office is a last resort, and that it is the appointing bodies which have the power to remove those they appoint.
- If the need arises to use the sanction of suspending or removing a governor, we will do so by following the Procedures Regulations so as to ensure a fair and objective process.
* based on models from Devon Governor Services and North-West Co-ordinators of Governor Services. Revised Nov 2010 with reference to the NGA (National Governors’ Association Code of Practice)
Appendix 1-Nolan Committee Standards in Public Life
Selflessness
We will take decisions solely in terms of the interest of the school and the community it serves. We will not seek to gain financially from our decisions, nor will we take decisions from which our friends or family financially benefit.
Integrity
As individuals we will not place ourselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence us in the performance of our official duties.
Objectivity
In carrying out our business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, we will make our choices on merit.
Accountability
We will be accountable for our decisions and actions to the wider community served by the school and we will submit ourselves to a level of scrutiny appropriate to our office.
Openness
We will be open as possible about all our decisions and actions. We will give reasons for our decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands it.
Honesty
We will declare any private interests relating to our public duties and take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the interests of the school.
Leadership
We will promote and support these principles by through our leadership and example.
AF Nov 2010