Governance

School governors are people who want to make a positive contribution to children's education. You will have a wide range of responsibilities, with your priority being the strategic direction of the school and, with your fellow governors, being accountable for the performance of the school.

The Governor Support Team is on hand to support and guide you - whether you are starting out as a new governor, a chair of governors, a clerk to the governing body or an experienced governor requiring information and guidance.

Your schools will provide you with an induction session to your role as a new governor and there is a range of learning and development opportunities available for all governors and clerks.

We keep in touch with governors and clerks using the E-Red bag where you will find information about events and new developments.

Governance Handbook

This document is regularly updated by the DFE. It sets out the government’s vision and priorities for effective governance by:

  • outlining the core role and functions of the governing board;
  • summarising and providing a first point of reference on all the legal duties on boards, and signposting to more detailed information, guidance and resources; and
  • providing information on the support available to boards to be effective.

It is recommended that all governors have access to this document which should be read alongside the Competency Framework for Governance.  Both documents can be accessed using this link

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/governance-handbook

Local Democracy - Governor Representation

Schools Forum

Schools Forums were established under the Education Act 2002  to provide schools with greater involvement in the distribution of funding within their local authority, and to act as a consultative and advisory  body in relation to schools’ funding.  The Forum meets at least five times a year.  The Forum has 33 members including a number of governors.  Vacancies are advertised via the e-red bag, our principal method of communication with schools.  If you are interested in learning more please contact marion.sadler@northyorks.gov.uk.

Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The Local Government Act 2000 requires local authorities to have executive arrangements.  This means that the Executive takes decision on behalf of the Council on most major ussies, within  the approved Council policies.  To ensure that the decisions taken by the Executive are in the best interests of the people of North Yorkshire, Overview and Scrutiny Committees were established to ensure that the work of the Council is accountable, open and transparent.  The scope of the Young People Overview and Scrutiny committee if the interests of young people, including education, care and protection and family support.  The membership of this committee allows for representations from schools including 2 parent governor places..   

If you are interested in finding out more please visit the NYC website.