Issue - meetings

Report ED13082

The Chairman introduced an updated report providing details of the outcomes and recommendations of the School Governance Working Group which had met on 12^th March 2013.  The objective of the Working Group had been agreed as ensuring that the Local Authority had a pool of well-trained governors able to play an effective role in ensuring that schools were well governed, that they were aware of their role and responsibilities and that they worked closely with the Local Authority with the support they needed to undertake their role.

Following consideration, the Working Group had developed a number of proposals to support the role of Local Authority Governor into the future, including the recruitment, selection and training processes for Local Authority Governors, the development of best practice, and work to promote the benefits of Local Authority Governors to Academy Schools.

In considering the report, the Chairman noted the need to identify how the Local Authority was working to attract volunteers across a range of community activities, including Local Authority Governors.  It was also key to ensure Local Authority Governors were supported in ensuring their school had a constitution in place and knew of their right to request information from their school.  The Chairman requested that copies of the draft Induction Pack and questionnaire for Local Authority Governors be supplied to the Portfolio Holder for Education and the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Education PDS Committee for examination and approval before publication.

A Co-opted Member emphasised the importance of ensuring good meeting attendance by Local Authority Governors, and the Lead Officer for School Governance confirmed that Head Teachers, Chairs of Governors and Clerks had recently been provided with guidance to support attendance monitoring of Local Authority Governors, with a view to disqualification where necessary.

The Chairman requested that a further report addressing issues arising from the review be provided to the next meeting of Education PDS Committee.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to request that a review is undertaken on how school governors, and in particular Local Authority Governors, are recruited and appointed.