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Become a school governor

Governors' responsibilities

Governors are not expected to take detailed decisions about the day-to-day management of the school. That is the job of the headteacher.

When you become a school governor you receive a 'welcome pack' from the local authority. The pack includes back copies of newsletters, relevant Governor Information Bulletins and information that is of relevance to all governors. The clerk to the governing body will provide information that is specific to the school.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families also produces a "School Governors' Guide to the Law" which is available free to all governors (the clerk will provide you with a copy). It is also available on the GovernorNet|. It gives an outline of the powers and duties of the governing body:

• helping to establish (with the head) the aims and policies of the school, and how the standards of education can be improved
• deciding the conduct of the school - that is, how in general terms, it should be run
• helping to draw up (with the head and staff) the school improvement plan
• helping to decide how to spend the school's budget
• making sure that the National Curriculum and religious education are taught
• selecting the headteacher and deputy headteacher
• appointing, promoting, supporting and disciplining staff
• acting as a link between the local community and the school
• drawing up an action plan after an inspection and monitoring how the plan is put into practice.

You may look at this list and think that you haven't got the skills or experience to be a governor, but don't let this put you off!

Responsibility for the school should be shared with a variety of views brought to the task. The responsibilities sound heavy but individual governors do not carry them. The Governing Body as a whole is accountable for all decisions taken by the Governing Body or any of its committees. Advice, support and training are available to all governing bodies from the local authority and other sources.

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