What does a Schools Governor do?

Governors are responsible for ensuring the school provides a good quality education. They have a wide range of managerial responsibilities and, working in partnership with the Principal, these include:

• Setting the aims and policies of the school in relation to the curriculum, pupil admissions, discipline, special educational needs and pastoral care.
• Ensuring the statutory curriculum is taught and that pupils are assessed.
• Recruiting staff.
• Making decisions regarding the school budget.
• Preparing information for parents, including an annual report on each child’s performance.
• Promoting good relations between the school and the community.
• Producing an Annual Report so that parents can raise any matters about the way the Board of Governors, Principal or Education and Library Boards have carried out their responsibilities.

Can anyone become a school governor?

Yes, with very few exceptions. No formal qualifications are required but you must be over 18 years of age.

How long does a governor serve?

Governors normally serve for a period of 4 years but can seek appointment for a further term of office. Governors can resign at any time.

Who would I be working with as a school governor?

• The Principal
• Parent Governors
• Teacher Governor
• Transferors nominated by those Protestant Churches and a few other interests such as family estates and factories which transferred their schools into a system of management/partnership with the local education authority
• Trustees — nominated by the legal trustees of the school to represent those who own the premises
• Foundation Governors — Grant-Maintained Integrated Schools (founder members of the group of people who sponsor the establishment of the school)
• Co-opted Members — persons co-opted from the local business community with no voting rights

What support is available?

Support and specific training on key issues are available from the South Eastern Education and Library Board. The Principal is the immediate source of information in dealing with school business.

Can I specify the locality and school type in which I wish to serve?

Yes.

What commitment do governors give?

Governors meet as often as the conduct of business of the school requires but the minimum requirement would be to meet once in each term. Most Boards of Governors have established sub-committees for particular issues, e.g. finance, staffing and this may require members of those committees to meet on a more frequent basis. Meetings are usually held in the evenings. Governors sometimes need to be available during school hours to visit the school, to talk to children and staff and to take part in the recruitment of staff. School governors are covered by the provisions of the Employment Rights (NI) Order 1976 which requires employers to grant employees reasonable unpaid time off for public duties. All the work is voluntary.

How do I apply?

If you are interested in becoming a governor nominated by the South Eastern Education and Library Board please download, complete and return the Board of Governors Application Form to:

Governor Services Unit
South Eastern Education and Library Board
Grahamsbridge Raod
Dundonald
Belfast
BT16 2HS

as soon as possible.

Tel:      028 9056 6216
Fax:     028 9056 6266/7
E-mail: governors@seelb.org.uk