How is a Governing Body made up?

A Governing Body is made up of several categories: Staff (including Head Teacher), Parent, Local Authority (LA) and Community Governors . Obviously the Head Teacher takes on the role of a governor once appointed. Staff within school nominate their representative. All parents of pupils at the school are approached to elect a Parent Governor. The LA are responsible for filling LA Governor places and Community governors are appointed by the Governing Body.

How do you become a Governor?

To become a Parent Governor you would need to approach the Head Teacher of your childs' school and enquire if there is a vacancy, and if not, when the parent governors term of office expires. A Community Governor is there to represent the local community or businesses, you would need to contact the school you are interested in to see if there is a Community governor vacancy.

Information on becoming a School Governor

Can a Governor be removed?

Yes. Any governor (except the Head Teacher or an ex-officio foundation member) who without the consent of the governing body is absent from meetings for a consecutive period of six months, starting with the date of the first meeting they miss, can be removed.

What are the procedures for electing parent governors?

A letter from the school will be circulated to all parents once a vacancy arises. In Sandwell the responsibility has been delegated to the Head Teacher of each school, the Head Teacher must comply with the procedures drawn up by the council - copies of these procedures can be obtained from your school or the LA.

How long should Governing Body minutes be kept?

The records of governors meetings are considered to be public documents and as such should be kept for posterity.

What is the minimum quorum?

All business cannot be undertaken unless 50% (rounded up to whole number) of the total number of members. For example if a governing body comprises of 13 members, the quorum would be 7.

Can members of the public see minutes of the governors meetings?

Yes, unless they have been designated as confidential minutes, for example where they relate to a specific pupil or employee.

Who can Chair the Governing Body meetings?

Any member of the Governing Body who is not an employee of the school.