TLR Staffing Structure documents Vision for the Future New Structure Power Point Presentation

View the
School Development Plan 2003 –2006

School Governors Visits Policy

• CODE OF PRACTICE
• MEETING DATES

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE GOVERNING BODY

Introduction:

The following is not a definitive statement of responsibilities but is concerned with the common understanding of broad principles by which the governing body and individual governors will operate.

The Governing Body of St James’ Catholic High School accept the following principles:

General:

1. The governing body has responsibility for determining; monitoring and keeping under review the broad policies, plans and procedures within which the school operates.

2. The governing body recognises that the headteacher, in consultation with the staff is responsible for the implementation of policy, the day to today management of the school and the organisation and delivery of the curriculum.

3. Although governors are appointed by different interest groups, their central concerns at all times should be the welfare of the school as a whole.

4. All governors have equal status regardless of their method of appointment.

5. The governing body and individual governors have a duty to act fairly and without prejudice at all times.

6. In so far as they have, or share, responsibility for the employment of staff, the governing body should fulfil all reasonable expectations of a good employer.

7. The governing body should recognise that their decisions could affect other schools.

8. The governing body should encourage open government except where the rules of confidentiality apply.

Commitment:

1. Being a governor involves the commitment of significant amounts of time and energy; careful regard should be given to this when agreeing to serve, or to continue to serve, on the governing body of a school.

2. All governors should involve themselves actively in the work of the governing body and accept a fair share of the responsibilities, including service on committees and working groups.  The governing body should ensure that responsibilities are shared by all governors.

3. Regular attendance at meetings of the full governing body, committees and working groups is essential.

4. Governors should know the school well and take all possible opportunities for involvement in school activities.

5. All governors should participate in the governing body’s development programme, including attendance at training sessions or otherwise.  The governing body should support new governors in becoming effective.

Relationships:

1. The governing body should strive to operate as a team in which constructive working relationships are actively promoted.

2. The governing body and individual governors should develop effective working relationships with the headteacher, staff, and parents, LEA and other relevant agencies, including the diocesan educations authorities.

Confidentiality:

1. Governors must observe complete confidentiality when either required or asked to do so by the governing body, especially in relation to matters concerning individual staff or pupils.

2. Governors should exercise the highest degree of prudence when discussions of potentially contentious issues arise outside the governing body.

1. Governors should express their views openly within meetings but accept collective decisions.

2. Governors should only speak or act on behalf of the governing body when they have been authorised to do so.

3. All visits to the school should be undertaken within the framework, which has been established by the governing body and agreed with the headteacher.

4. In responding to criticism or complaints relating to the school, governors should follow procedures established by the governing body.

5. Governors should follow agreed procedures when wishing to make critical comment on any aspect of the school.

6.      Governors have a responsibility to maintain and develop the ethos and reputation of the school; their actions in meetings and within the school and community should reflect this.

Code of conduct
Approved September 2001
To be reviewed September 2002

St. James' Catholic High School
Governing Body
Schedule of Meetings

Governors' Committee Meetings