INDUCTION COURSE ON BEING A GOVERNOR October 2012 Marie O’Donoghue

Introduction - Objectives By the end of the Induction Course, governors should:- have an appreciation of roles and responsibilities of Governors; know how Boards of Governors carry out their functions. understand what makes effective governors and effective schools;

What do you think the role of a governor is?

The Role of The Board of Governors The role of the Board of Governors is to manage the school with a view to providing the best possible education and educational opportunities for all of the pupils. This involves: Setting the strategic direction for the school; Taking corporate decisions in relation to the statutory functions of the Board of Governors.

Key Resources Scheme of Management Governor’s Handbook- Every School a good school ELB training ELB,CCMS,NICIE and CNaG contacts

Governor Induction INTRODUCTION Who’s who on the Board of Governors? The role & responsibilities of Governors? Features of effective Governors Characteristics of effective Schools How Boards of Governors Operate How Governors play their part What Governors can expect of the Principal Conclusion & Questions Board Rep:Appointed by the Education and Library Board Transferor Rep:Representing mainly the churches & nominated by the churches Trustee Rep:Nominated by the legal Trustees DE Rep:Nominated by the DE Parent Rep:Elected by parents of pupils at the school Teacher Rep:Elected by permanent teaching staff Principal:Non-voting member of Board of Governors

Constitution of a Board of Governors Primary Governors- 9 4 Transferor Reps 2 ELB/DE Governors 2 Parent Reps I Teacher Governor

Board Of Governors Post Primary 16 6 Transferor Reps 4 ELB/DE Governors 4 Parent Governors 2 Teacher Governors

Board Of Governors Nursery 8 5 ELB/DE Governors 2 Parent Governors 1 Teacher Governors

How a Board of Governors operates Number of meetings Quorum Withdrawal Sub committees/Working Parties Principal’s role Chairperson’s role Decisions

Annual Report Governor Membership Financial Statement Curriculum and Assessment Attendance Admissions Policy SEN

The Core Function of Education ‘To ensure that every learner fulfils his or her full potential at each stage of her or his development.’ (Every School A Good School, A Policy for School Improvement, 2009)

Breadth of Role Finance HR Health and Safety Child Protection Building Management Curriculum and Standards Best interests of the pupils

Training Induction Recruitment & Selection of Staff Recruitment & Selection of Staff (Refresher) Cred Financial Management & Accountability Freedom of Information, Data Protection, Records Management & Information Security Every School a Good School – Development Planning 3 April pm Ulidia Resource Centre Count, Read, Succeed 23 January pm Ulidia Resource Centre 15 March pm Ulidia Resource Centre Developing a Policy for Dealing with Critical Incidents 8 February pm Ulidia Resource Centre 21 February pm Ulidia Resource Centre Induction 25 November 2011 – pm Ulidia Resource Centre Safe Guarding and Child Protection for School Governors 6 December pm-9.00pm, Ulidia Resource Centre 31 January pm-9.00pm, Ulidia Resource Centre 8 February pm-5.00pm, Ulidia Resource Centre

Training Managing Attendance Every School a Good School- Development Planning Count, Read, Succeed Developing a Policy for dealing with Critical Incidents Safe Guarding and Child Protection for School Governors

Working In a Team Nolan Principles Selflessness Integrity Objectivity Accountability Openness Honesty Leadership

How a Board of Governors Operates - Code of Practice Confidentiality We will observe complete confidence when required or asked to do so by the governing body, especially regarding matters concerning individual staff or pupils. Although decisions reached at Governor meetings are normally made public through the minutes or otherwise, the discussions on which decisions are based should be treated as confidential. As a matter of trust we will not discuss the views of fellow governors with members of the public outside our meetings. We will exercise the greatest prudence if a discussion of a potentially contentious issue affecting the school arises outside the governing body.

How a Board of Governors Operates MeetingsAgenda MinutesCommittees ChairpersonVice-Chairperson SecretaryWorking Parties DiscussionDecisions 17

Features of Effective Governors & Effective Boards of Governors Working as a team Good relationships with the principal Effective time management and delegation Effective meetings Knowing the school Awareness of current education policy Maintaining confidentiality Training and development Collective responsibility

Workshop Activity What Makes a Good School? You will have about 10 minutes to discuss this question in groups You should elect a Chairperson and Reporter to feedback your views.

Characteristics of A Good School Child Centred Provision High Quality Teaching & Learning Effective Leadership A School Connected to its local community Reference: Every School a Good School (DE Policy April 09)

Role and Responsibilities of School Governors in relation to safeguarding Role The best interests of children are of primary consideration and you should ensure that the necessary safeguarding measures are in place to make all pupils feel safe and protected in your school environment

Role and Responsibilities of School Governors in relation to safeguarding The safeguarding role must be integrated with the following areas of your responsibilities: Pastoral Care Policies, Training, Recruitment, and Consultation requirements

Child Protection Strand 1 Governors have statutory obligations to keep children safe. These slides provide essential information for ALL Governors. Your Principal and Designated CP Governor have specific responsibilities.

Statutory Duties Of School Governors in relation to safeguarding Education and Libraries ( NI ) Order 2003 Articles 17, 18 and 19 places duties on Governors to: Safeguard and promote the welfare of registered pupils at the school Have a written Child Protection Policy and ensure it is implemented

Statutory Duties Of School Governors in relation to safeguarding Specifically address the prevention of bullying in school discipline policies Good Practice recommendation Nominate a designated governor for child protection who should not be the teacher representative or parent representative

Roles and Responsibilities of Chair and Designated Governor Chair of board of Governors is involved in managing any complaints or allegations against members of school staff Chair will work with Designated Teacher in managing any complaints/allegations against the Principal Designated Governor will be kept informed about complaints/allegations

DE Circulars in relation to safeguarding Circular 99/10: Child protection policy and procedures Circular 06/06 Safer recruitment practices for education authorities Circular 06/07 The employment of substitute teachers

DE Circulars in relation to safeguarding Circular 06/08 The requirement for child protection training in relation to interviewing and selection panels Circular 2012/19 The vetting of paid and unpaid staff Circular 2012/19 (superseding circular 06/25) The requirement for vetting of school governors

DE Circulars in relation to safeguarding Circular 2008/03 Responsibility for undertaking criminal background checks belongs to Access NI Circular 2008/10 Substitute Teachers must be booked online via NISTR

Resources for School Governors in relation to safeguarding The Child Protection Support Service for Schools (CPSSS) has developed a specific Handbook for all School Governors in relation to their safeguarding role

Case Study Working in groups, identify incorrect procedures by underlining them. It may be useful to reference these to the Scheme of Management.

INDUCTION COURSE ON BEING A GOVERNOR Thank you for attending Adminstrative Support Mary Coyle Coordinator Marie O’Donoghue