Link Governor
Most governing bodies have nominated a link governor to take responsibility for promoting governor development. It is up to the individual governing body to decide on the exact nature of the duties but following consultation, link governors from all round the county have recommended that the following tasks be included in the 'job description':
- Promoting the continuous development of individual governors & the governing body as a team
- Supporting the induction and mentoring of new governors
- Supporting the audit of skills in order to analyse training needs
- Ensuring that governor development is raised on the governing body agenda
- Ensuring that sufficient funds are allocated to support governor development
- Liaising with the Governor Support Team on all matters relating to training
- Acting as a link with other schools to share information and/or organise joint training
- Maintaining records of training needs and attendance as necessary
Nominated Governor for Safeguarding (Child Protection)
All schools should have procedures in place for handling suspected cases of child abuse, in accordance with the local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) procedures. The nominated governor for child protection will have responsibility for the oversight of the procedures relating to allegations made against the headteacher.
Section 175 of the Education Act 2002 introduced a duty on local authorities and governing bodies to have arrangements to ensure that they promote the safeguarding and welfare of children within schools.
Courses for the nominated governor for safeguarding are included in the programme. Check the Online Booking Form for further information.
Special Educational Needs Governor
The 'Code of Practice for the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs (SEN)' recommends that a named governor be nominated to take a particular interest on behalf of the governing body in the way the school manages its provision for children with SEN, and to report on this regularly to the governing body. It is suggested that the SEN Governor's tasks should include:
- Keeping informed about relevant documents and legislation
- Liaising with the SEN Co-ordinator, other governors and staff as necessary
- Monitoring the SEN policy and reporting back to the governing body
- Ensuring that all parents are kept informed of the school's policy and that communication is two way
- Considering governing body decisions which have implications for SEN
- Attend training sessions and arrange training on SEN for others where appropriate
The role of the clerk in supporting the governing body
The clerk has an extremely important role in supporting the governing body, ensuring that business is conducted efficiently, and agreed procedures are adhered to. The importance of the role has been recognised nationally, with the DCSF introducing the National Training Programme for Clerks. Amongst their duties, effective clerks should:
- Inform Governor Support Team of governor appointments and resignations and specific roles that
governors hold (e.g. chair, vice-chair, link) - Liaise with the chair and headteacher to produce a clear and focused agenda
- Give adequate notice of meetings and accurate recording of apologies
- Produce and circulate clear, concise minutes with action points
- Circulate minutes promptly