As part of the streamlining of governance in 2003, there was a slimming down of the regulations on governing body procedures. This had positive benefits as it allowed governing bodies greater freedom to decide how they would operate.
So what were the changes and freedoms?
Delegation:
A governing body can delegate most of its statutory functions to a committee, any governor or to the headteacher. However there are some functions which can be delegated to a committee but not to an individual. These areas are:
- alteration, closure or change of category of the school;
- approval of the first budget plan for the financial year;
- school discipline policies;
- its responsibilities in relation to exclusion of pupils;
- matters relating to admissions.
There are a number of functions detailed in the Constitution Regulations which it is not possible for the governing body to delegate such as:
- the constitution of the governing body;
- the removal of the chair/vice chair of governors;
- the appointment of the clerk; and
- the functions and establishment of committees.
Election of Chair and Vice Chair:
A governing body can now decide on the term of office for the chair and vice chair of governors which can be from one year up to a maximum of four years.
Quorum:
Business has been simplified with a single quorum, as opposed to the current variety of quorums for various different types of decision. The figure is one half (rounded up to a whole number) of the governors in post i.e. excluding governor vacancies.
Suspension of Governors:
This was a new provision intended to deal with difficult issues that arise from time to time. Safeguards are built into the process for individual governors and the governing body.
Agenda Papers:
Within the Regulations there is a requirement that agendas and associated papers and reports for meetings are circulated at least 7 days before the date of the meeting.
Governorships:
Governors are no longer restricted to two governorships. Should you wish to become a governor on more than two schools this is now permitted.