Governor's Code of Practice

General

We will take responsibility for determining, monitoring and keeping under review, the broad policies, plans and procedures to support the aims and objectives of the school and safeguard the interests of the school, its students and the wider community. 

We will support and promote appropriate partnership and collaborations with other schools in the community and the LA. 

We acknowledge that the day-to-day management of the school and implementation of plans and policies of the governing body is the responsibility of the headteacher and other senior managers of the school. 

In so far as we have, or share, responsibility for the employment of staff, we will strive to fulfil all reasonable expectations of a good employer. 

We will take due account of views of parents, pupils, staff and other interested parties and act fairly and without prejudice at all times. 

We understand that we have no legal authority to act individually, make statements or express opinions on behalf of the governing body except when the governing body has given delegated authority to do so. 

We will consider carefully how our own decisions might affect other schools and the community. 

We will encourage transparent governance and will do so through good communication systems with the school community. 

We understand that all governors have equal status and although governors are appointed/elected by different groups (e.g. parents, staff and the LA), their central concern should be the welfare of the school as a whole. 

We will express our views openly within meetings but accept collective responsibility for all decisions. 

We will strive to operate as a team in which constructive working relationships are actively promoted. 

We will have regard to our broader responsibilities as a governor of a public institution, including the need to ensure public accountability for the actions of the governing body. 

We will follow procedures established by the governing body in responding to criticism or complaints relating to the school. 

Commitment

We acknowledge that accepting office as a governor involves a commitment of time and energy and will support the work of the governing body by reading paperwork, attending meetings regularly and accepting a fair share of responsibilities, including service on Committees and Working Groups. 

We will take opportunities to improve our effectiveness as governors through participation in training and developments and by increasing our knowledge of the school.　

Confidentiality

We will respect complete confidentiality of those items of business which the governing body decides from time to time should remain confidential, especially in relation to matters concerning individual staff or pupils. 

We respect that the discussions on which the decisions are based will be regarded as confidential although decisions reached at governors’ meetings will normally be made public through minutes or otherwise. 

We will exercise the highest degree of prudence if a discussion of a potentially contentious issue affecting the school arises outside of the governing body 

Suspension/Removal

We understand that suspending or removing a governor from office is a last resort, but if the need arises the governing body will take actions to do so by following the Constitution Regulations so as to ensure a fair and objective process.