Work of Governing Board
What are School Governors ?
The primary objective of School Governors is to ensure that the school is well run and in accordance with the school's mission statement.
The Governors are volunteers who assist in determining the policy and ethos of our school.
The Board of Governors comprises people from differing backgrounds within the local community and who have experience of a wide spectrum of life that they bring to this forum for the benefit of the school.
School Governors abide by the Code of Conduct for School Governing Bodies / Boards.
School Governors operate in accordance with the Instrument of Government : Voluntary Aided School
What do School Governors do?
School Governors lead the school but the Head Teacher is the Manager; the Governors help to formulate management strategy and the school's goals (or objectives) that ensure the mission statement is achieved.
Core functions of the Governing Board are;
- To ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- To hold the leadership team to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of staff.
- To oversee the financial performance of the school and to make sure that its money is well spent.
So, Governors influence and make a contribution to determining school policies affecting pupil discipline, agreeing expenditure, performance management, producing reports etc.
Governors, along with the Head Teacher and Senior School Team form the leadership team of the school. They have a crucial role in ensuring the school is successful in meeting the needs of all its pupils and achieving high standards.
What about time commitment ?
It is normal for a governor to be appointed for a period of four years as a maximum - there is no minimum period. Serving Governors can be re-elected and former Governors can apply to return to the fold.
Governor’s are expected to attend the School Governing Board meetings (see Governor meeting dates page) and to review and comment on all material in support of these meetings.
Why become a School Governor?
There are benefits to becoming a School Governor. School Governors have the opportunity to:
- Develop new skills and to strengthen existing ones - with training available for Governors
- Work with a wide range of people from a variety of social, cultural and religious backgrounds
- Gain an idea of how schools are run and how the education system works as a whole
- Enjoy the personal satisfaction and sense of achievement of working to improve the school
- Enjoy using your skills for the good of the local community
Who can become a School Governor?
Anyone can apply to become a governor, as long as they are over 18, are enthusiastic about helping children get a good education and can spare about six hours a month. It is advantageous if your skills would add to those already available from the existing School Governing Board. Typical useful proven skills would include counselling, marketing, strategic/financial planning, problem solving techniques, a legal background, team working abilities, Information Technology (IT) skills, Project Management, Health and Safety.
How do I apply to become a governor?
When a Parent Governor vacancy arises the Head Teacher will send out letters to Parents with children at our School, asking for nominations. When a Foundation Governor vacancy arises, the Archdiocese of Liverpool will appoint someone in response to a recommendation from our Parish Priest.
The Local Authority Governor is appointed through Lancashire County Council Governor Services team.
If you are interested you can speak to the Head Teacher and she will explain the process.
Mrs C McKinnon, Head Teacher, by telephoning 01772 742351. Alternatively you may wish to speak to Dr J Brennan, Chair of the Governors by telephoning 01772 742351.
Mrs F Clague, the Clerk to the Governing Board, through the School by telephoning 01772 742351.
