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Governor Services - Governors with specific roles

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Link Governor

Link Governors take responsibility for promoting the development of their fellow governors.  It is up to the individual Governing Body to decide on the exact nature of the duties; the following tasks are generally included in the ‘job description’:

  • Promoting the continuing development of individual governors and the Governing Body as a team.
  • Supporting the induction and mentoring of new governors.
  • Supporting the audit of skills in order to analyse individual and Governing Body training needs.
  • Ensuring that governor development is included on the Governing Body agenda.
  • Ensuring that sufficient funds are allocated to support governor development.
  • Liaising with the Governor Support Team on training matters.
  • 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 Child Protection

All schools should have procedures in place for handling suspected cases of child abuse, in accordance with the Cumbria Local Safeguarding Children’s Board.   The local board recommends that a committee has the responsibility for oversight of safeguarding policies, and that one member of the committee is trained as the nominated governor for child protection.   The Governing Body must also ensure that one governor, usually the chair, is responsible for dealing with allegations made against the headteacher.

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Governor

The ‘Code of Practice for the Identification and Assessment of SEN' recommends that a 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 findings 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 pupils.
  • Attend training sessions and arrange training on SEN for others where appropriate.

The role of the Clerk in supporting the Governing Body

Although the Clerk is not a member of the Governing Body, s/he 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 DfE introducing the National Training Programme for Clerks.   Amongst their duties, effective clerks should:  
               

  • Liaise with the chair and headteacher (and other governors as appropriate) 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.
  • Inform the Governor Support Team of governor appointments and resignations and specific roles that governors hold (eg chair, vice chair, link).

Key documents

 Title  Date  Size
22/09/2011 18k