Role of Governors
Being a school governor is interesting, worthwhile and rewarding.
To be truly effective, a governing board needs members from all walks of life, with a variety of skills. Governing boards are based on the principle that members represent every group with an interest in the school, working together in the best interests of the children. Specifically, our governing board comprises:
- Staff Governors
- Parent Governors (elected by the parents)
- Local Authority Governors (Anyone with an interest in being a governor can apply through the Local Authority)
- Foundation Governors (Appointed by the Church)
- Co-opted governor (Appointed by the Governors)
Our Governing Board has up to 14 governors and meets twice a term throughout the school year. In addition there are two sub-committees which also meet twice a term. One is concerned with the curriculum and special needs of pupils and the other with school premises, finances and staffing. As a governor at St James' you will be a member of one of these sub-committees.
The Governing Board doesn't manage the school – this is the role of the headteacher and senior management team, but it does oversee the development of the school, with the main aim being to always provide a high standard of education for all pupils, of all abilities.
It has three main roles:-
Strategic - Setting the school's vision and strategic aims, agreeing plans and policies, and making creative use of resources.
Critical Friend - Monitoring and evaluating performance, acting as a critical friend to the Headteacher to support and challenge them in managing the school.
Accountability - Ensuring that the school is accountable to the children and parents it serves, to its local community, to those who fund and maintain it, as well as to the staff it employs.
What do you need to be a governor? Well firstly, you don't need to be an educational professional! If you have an interest in the life of the school, backed with enthusiasm and a few hours a term, then you're ready. Training is provided by the local authority to bring you up to speed in your role as a governor and when you join the governing body, you are assigned a mentor to help you with any questions you may have. If you have skills from outside the world of education that are relevant, then you may find yourself in a unique position to contribute, but more than anything else a commitment to the school and the well-being of the pupils will help you to become an effective governor.
Normally, a governor appointment runs for a 4 year term, but it's not unusual to be asked to serve a further term if you're willing to do so. The only real exception is the Parent Governor position, as once your child has left the school, you will have to step down at the end of your term.
If you'd like to learn more about being a governor then feel free to get in touch or why not stop a governor when you see one at school for a chat? If you'd like to register your interest to be a governor then in the first instance, contact the Chair of Governors via the School Office.
Governor Meetings - Governors meet on a regular basis each term. Meeting minutes are available to view on request. Please put your request in writing to the Chair of Governors via the school office email School Office Email.
Please click on the links below to view further information about our governing body.
