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What do School Governors do?

The School Governors handbook outlines the 3 core functions as:

1. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
 
2. Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of staff
 
3. Overseeing financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent
 

Governing bodies exist to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We do not run the school operationally day to day, this is the responsibility of the Headteacher and the senior leadership team.  Governors should act as a ‘Critical Friend’ providing equal amounts of support and challenge.

As a Catholic School the Governing Board is made up of a majority of Foundation Governors, who are appointed in the name of the Archbishop and form the majority of the governing body. They have a legal duty to preserve and develop the Catholic character of the school and to ensure that the school is conducted in accordance with its trust deed.

Governors must abide by the Seven Principles of Public Life enunciated by the Nolan Committee, which are:

Selflessness

Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends.

Integrity

Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.

Objectivity

In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.

Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

Openness

Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

Honesty

Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects public interest.

Leadership

Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.