Governors have always played an important role in giving schools a sense of direction and in supporting Principals and staff in their work with pupils. All educational partners including Governors share a common purpose — to see that the children for whom they are responsible are educated to fulfill their potential and become well adjusted responsible young adults, able to meet the challenges of the 21^st Century.

Governors have been given new powers and responsibilities. To enable Governors to meet these obligations Governors do not need to know everything about the curriculum, finance or employment legislation. Governors do need to know where to turn to for support and advice. The Principal will often be able to guide Governors on these important areas. However other sources of advice and support are available to Principals and Governors alike.

Support will be available through training, expertise from the Department of Education, the South Eastern Education and Library Board (and for maintained schools the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools - CCMS) and through guidance material. A handbook has been designed as an independent, useful initial guide on a wide range of key topics. It is written, as far as is possible, in layman's language and is designed to be used as a source of reference to be dipped into as and when the need arises. It must not be regarded as a definitive guide to the law. If Governors are faced with a difficulty and wish to obtain definitive information they should, where appropriate, seek advice and guidance from officers of the Board and/or CCMS.

Copies of the handbook are available from:

The South Eastern Education and Library Board Grahamsbridge Road Dundonald BELFAST BT16 2HS Tel.  028 9056 6200 E-mail  governors@seelb.org.uk