An effective relationship between the chair and headteacher, based on trust and mutual respect, is one of the most important factors in a successful partnership between the governing body and the school.
An effective chair is able to listen and ask appropriate questions, as well as act as a sounding board for the headteacher.
If you are a new chair, you will need to think about the topics it would be useful to cover in your initial meetings. You will want to:
- get to know each other as people;
- explore your expectations of each other;
- identify the priorities for the school on which you will work together;
- establish the style, timing and frequency of your meetings;
- establish a pattern for the work of the governing body for the coming year.
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.