We support chairs in the critical work they do in our schools by providing a range of services for you such as a:
Here you can access the following information:
The National Governors' Association has produced a report on the role of the chair of governors in schools and academies which you may find a useful source of information and advice.
The key role of the chair is to:
- give a clear lead in organising the work of the governing body
- delegate effectively and help the governing body work as a team
- manage meetings effectively
- hold regular meetings with the headteacher
- keep other governors fully informed
- cooperate with other agencies to support school improvement
Key items you should expect to receive as a new chair include:
- list of governors with contact details and any specific responsibilities they may have
- committee structure and membership
- terms of reference
- staffing structure
- list of school policies
- latest SEF and School Development Plan
- standing orders
- school complaints toolkit
- annual calendar
Some issues discussed by the chair and the headteacher may need to remain confidential, but careful thought should be given as to which information is confidential and which should be shared with the governing body. The governing body should not feel that sides have been taken or decisions made behind their backs.
Checklist
- Have you agreed the 'ground rules' for your one-to-one meetings with your headteacher?
- You will find some useful activities to help you reflect on this role in the Governors e-learning (GEL) online module Taking the Chair
- A useful booklet Headteachers and Governing Bodies - a practical guide to making the partnership work (ref 330j) can be borrowed from the Governor Resource Collection (01245 436210)