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.
Maintained Schools Governance Guide
This document was published in March 2024 by the DFE and replaced the Governance Handbook. It sets out the government’s vision and priorities for effective governance by:
- outlining the core role and functions of the governing body
- 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 know and have access to this document.
Maintained schools governance guide - Guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The governance guide outlines the core functions of the governing body these include, but are not limited to ensuring:
- that the vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school are clearly defined
- that the headteacher performs their responsibilities for the educational performance of the school
- the sound, proper and effective use of the school’s financial resources
A governing body and its governors must, as required by The School Governance (Roles, Procedures and Allowances) (England) Regulations 2013, regulation 6(2):
- act with integrity, objectivity and honesty and in the best interests of the school
- be open about the decisions they make and the actions they take and shall be prepared to explain their decisions and actions to interested parties
The governing body also has legislative responsibility and strategic oversight for the school’s safeguarding arrangements.
The North Yorkshire Professional Governance Service delivers on behalf of North Yorkshire Local Authority, its statutory duties in relation to governance, including parent governor election guidance, staff governor election guidance, reconstitution, and LA governor nominations.
The Professional Governance Service provides a comprehensive advice, support, training and development service for governors and trustees across the North Yorkshire Local Authority, and the wider area. It is an integral part of the School Improvement Service and works alongside the School Improvement advisory team, as well as other key service providers, to support governors and trustees in the delivery of effective governance.
We keep in touch with governors using the E-Red bag where you will find information about events and new developments. Governing bodies who purchase our Professional Governance Advice and Support Service will also receive half termly newsletters.
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.
