Who School Governors are
Governing bodies are made up of all sorts of people who contribute in many different and complementary ways.
Almost anyone can be a school governor, unless they are:
- under 18, or
- disqualified because of such things as bankruptcy, recent prison sentence or detention under the Mental Health Act.
What Governors do
Governing bodies have a very wide range of powers and responsibilities. They include supporting the school in five key areas:
- employment of staff
- oversight of the curriculum
- use of financial resources
- welfare of pupils
- up-keep of the premises
In an effective governing body, governors make strategic decisions:
- set the framework for decision making by setting policy and budgeting to meet priorities;
- keep informed about what the school is doing to implement policy and what is happening to monitor and evaluate the quality of education experienced by the children;
- regularly evaluate their own performance and seek ways to become more effective
Governors are NOT responsible for the day-to-day running of the school. This is the job of the headteacher and staff.
How Governing Bodies are organised
Most governing bodies have committees to which they delegate much of the work in the main areas of responsibility:
- staffing
- finance
- curriculum
- premises
Normally all governors will be members of at least one committee, and sometimes several. All governing bodies must have certain statutory committees. Individual governors alone do not carry responsibilities and have no power, unless the governing body delegates a specific matter to them.
Poole Governors’ Forum
Poole Governors’ Forum (or PGF) is Poole’s association for governors and is affiliated to the National Governors’ Association (or NGA). PGF is organised by a Steering Group of representative governors and meets on a termly basis. The meetings have topical presentations and discussions on matters of relevance and interest to all Poole governors. The Clerk and Chair of PGF can be contacted in the first instance via Governor services.
How do I become a School Governor?
You will make a good school governor if you:
- care about improving children's educational attainment
- want to contribute to the local community
- want to work as part of a team and can value the contribution made by different people
- accept you might need training
- are willing to ask questions
- are open to ideas and willing to learn
If you are interested in becoming a School Governor then please contact:
David Alderson
Governance Adviser
Children and Young People's Services - Strategy, Quality and Improvement
Borough of Poole
Civic Centre
Poole
Dorset
BH15 2RU
Tel: 01202 633768
