Code of Conduct for Governors
A model Code of Conduct for Governing Bodies.
General
- We have responsibility for determining, monitoring and keeping under review the broad policies, plans and procedures within which the school operates
- We recognise that the Headteacher is responsible for the implementation of policy, day-to-day management of the school and the implementation of the curriculum
- We accept that all Governors have equal status, and although appointed by different groups (i.e. parents, staff, Children's Service Authority) our overriding concern will be the welfare of the school as a whole
- We have no legal authority to act individually, except when the Governing Body has given us delegated authority to do so
- We have a duty to act fairly and without prejudice, and in so far as we have responsibility for staff, we will fulfil all that is expected of a good employer
- We will encourage open governance and shall be seen to be doing so
- We will consider carefully how our decisions may affect other schools.
Commitment
- We acknowledge that accepting office as a Governor involves the commitment of significant amounts of time and energy
- We will each involve ourselves actively in the work of the Governing Body, attend regularly, and accept our fair share of responsibilities, including service on committees or working groups
- We will get to know the school well and respond to opportunities to involve ourselves in school activities
- We will consider seriously our individual and collective needs for training and development.
Relationships
- We will strive to work as a team
- We will seek to develop effective working relationships with the head, staff and parents, the Children's Service Authority and other relevant agencies and the community.
Confidentiality
- We will observe complete confidentiality when required or asked to do so by the Governing Body, especially regarding matters concerning individual staff or students
- We will exercise the greatest prudence if a discussion of a potentially contentious issue affecting the school arises outside the Governing Body
Conduct
- We will encourage the open expression of views at meetings, but accept collective responsibility for all decisions made by the Governing Body or its delegated agents
- We will only speak or act on behalf of the Governing Body when we have been specifically authorised to do so
- In making or responding to criticism or complaints affecting the school we will follow the procedures established by the Governing Body
- Our visits to school will be undertaken within the framework established by the Governing Body and agreed with the Headteacher
- In discharging our duties we will always be mindful of our responsibility to maintain and develop the ethos and reputation of our school.
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