The Governors

What do we do?

In general we act as decision makers in the best interests of the school.

The Governing Body works in partnership with the Head Teacher, who is the operational manager of the school.  Sufficient power is delegated to the Head Teacher to allow the management of the school to be effectively undertaken and in return the Head Teacher will report regularly to the governing body.

Alongside this, the governing body fulfils the twin functions of strategic planning by setting aims and objectives for the school and accountability through the monitoring and analysing of the results of these aims.

What is the Role of a Governor at All Saints Bishops Caundle?

An All Saints governor is one member of a public body which is responsible for the well-being of the school. The governors are accountable to the parents, the local community and, as a voluntary controlled church school, to the Diocese.  As a body the governors accept the principles of good governance, both as individuals and corporately, as the Governing Body. We monitor the quality of the staff and pupil education, the condition and upkeep of the buildings, the budgets and finances of the school, and the implementation of new government legislation.

Almost all of the governors are under retirement age, but there is no upper age limit to membership of the Governing Body.  They bring a wide variety of expertise from their respective professions. Thankfully, All Saints normally does not have a struggle to find those willing to serve on its Governing Body. Governors typically serve for a period of four years and may stand for re-selection if so qualified.

There are currently 15 members on the Governing Body of All Saints, plus the Clerk. The Governors are appointed or chosen as follows:

• The Local Education Authority appoints two Community governors.
• The Diocese of Salisbury appoints three Foundation Governors.
• The Parents of Pupils of the school elect five governors, all of whom must have children in the school at the time of election.
• The Staff of the school choose two governors:
• The Head Teacher has exercised her option to be a governor.
• The whole Governing Body appoints two governors from the local community.

So, what qualities make a good governor?    

Governors must be:
Enthusiastic about the school and educational principles and values.

• Approachable and good at listening
• Confident in communicating with other governors and staff of the school
• Able to make reasoned judgments and decisions
• Able to respect the confidentiality of discussions and meetings
• Open to new ideas
• Self motivated 
• Willing to give their time, some of which will be devoted to training

 
It is often said no one in their right mind should volunteer to be an unpaid governor. However, we know our role is both necessary and valued. We all recognise the importance of our contribution and enjoy the challenge of helping the Head Teacher and her team to manage the school today, and to plan for its future.  Individual Governors make a vital contribution to the delivery of high quality education for our children by continuously monitoring progress, and testing assumptions. We have personal attributes and skills which make a unique and valuable contribution to our task and believe that this is appreciated by the rest of the Governing Body and by the Staff of our school, as well as by the Parents and Pupils.