Governing Body

In property terms the main role of the governing body is to:

Act as responsible custodian of the premises.
Plan, budget and manage projects they are responsible for.
Contribute to and co-operate with the development of the CYPS Service Asset Management Plan.

The governing body has responsibility for many aspects of premises management (including Health & Safety, Asbestos Management and Statutory Testing inspection) as powers and responsibilities are increasingly delegated. Although most powers can be delegated (including premises issues to a Premises Committee) there are certain powers such as curriculum and admissions which cannot. More information is available via the Governors Guide to the Law

When setting up a Premises Committee, the Clerk to the Governing Body will advise on the requirements that must be met. It is essential that the initial constituting of the committee by the Governing Body be carried out properly, and takes place at a full meeting attended by no less than 2/3 of the current governors. Additional requirements include:

Clearly define the membership, constitution and proceedings for the Premises Committee.
A named chairperson should be appointed (no person who is employed to work at the school or who is a member of the governing body).
All decisions or actions taken by the Premises Committee must be reported back at the governing body meeting as the they remain responsible for the decisions.
Individuals who are not members of the full governing body can be included as members of the Committee. However, those individuals do not have voting rights as committee members unless agreed by the full governing body. The membership of governing body committees must contain a majority of full governing body members.
On establishing a committee, a quorum should be determined. Best practice for the operation of a committee is that a quorum should be majority of total membership. If no quorum is established, any decision taken without all members present must be referred to the next full governing body meeting.
Terms of reference can be abolished or amended and powers withdrawn provided that correct numbers of governors attend the meeting. The committee structure (including terms of reference and constitution) must be reviewed at least once annually.
Normal rules of conduct apply i.e. notice of meeting, minutes (and publishing of), recording attendance etc.
The Head Teacher can attend Committee meetings but cannot vote unless a member of it. Normal withdrawal requirements apply.

For further guidance on the operation of governing body committees contact the Governor Support Unit at Four Oaks Professional Development Centre on 01934 427678