1. The Role of LA Governors
Welcomes, introductions and domestics.

2. Objectives: to understand the role of the Local Authority governor
to be aware of the key functions of governing bodies
to be aware of the further support available from Southend-on-Sea Borough Council

3. What is the Role of an LA Governor?
A member of a corporate body, whose purpose is to ‘conduct the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational attainment at the school’
Once appointed, all governors must operate in the best interests of pupils, not as representatives to lobby on behalf of their constituency.

4. Role of the governing body
From September 2014, changes to the School Governance Constitution Regulations mean that governors appointed to the governing body should possess:
‘ the skills required to contribute to effective governance and success of the school’

5. What skills do governors need?
Strong commitment to the role and to improving outcomes for children
A readiness to ask challenging questions
Ability to work as part of a group
Good interpersonal skills
Willingness to learn
Specialist knowledge within the membership of the GB

6. Values and Behaviours
As a local authority governor, you are a representative of the local authority, expected to behave with integrity and to never bring the reputation of the school or Southend-on-Sea Borough Council into disrepute.
Code of Conduct
Confidentiality
Register of Business Interests
Seven Principles of Public Life

7. Three core strategic functions of GBs
Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff
Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent

8. Ofsted’s Expectations of Effective Governance
In assessing the role and impact of the governing body, inspectors take account of how well the governing body:
carry out their statutory duties
understand the strengths and weaknesses of the school, including the quality of teaching
ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
understand and take sufficient account of pupil data, or whether they are misled by ‘headlines’
are aware of the impact of teaching on learning and progress in different subjects and year groups

9. Ofsted’s Expectations of Effective Governance
In assessing the role and impact of the governing body, inspectors consider whether governors:
are challenging and supporting leadership in equal measure
are providing support for an effective headteacher, or whether they are hindering school improvement by not successfully tackling key concerns
understand how the school makes decisions about teachers’ salary progression
performance manage the headteacher rigorously
are failing to perform well and contributing to weaknesses in leadership and management.

10. What further support do I need from Southend-on-Sea Borough Council?
Southend Governance
Rachel Marshall
Southend Governance Assistant