CODE OF CONDUCT FOR GOVERNORS

All new governors are asked to agree to and sign a Code of Practice   written and approved by the Governing body of Eastway Primary

School, the content of which is as follows:-

The following is not a definitive statement of responsibilities but is concerned with the common understanding of broad principles by which the Governing Body and individual governors will operate.

The Governing Body accepts the following principles and procedures:

GENERAL

We have responsibility for determining, monitoring and keeping under review the broad policies, plans and procedures within which the school operates.

We recognise that our head teacher is responsible for the implementation of policy, management of the school and the implementation and operation of the curriculum.

We accept that all governors have equal status, and although appointed by different groups (i.e. parents, staff, LA) our overriding concern will be the welfare of the school as a whole.

We have no legal authority to act individually, except when the governing body has given us delegated authority to do so.

We have a duty to act fairly and without prejudice, and in so far as we have responsibility for staff, we will fulfill all the legal expectations as, or on behalf of, the employer.

We will encourage open governance and shall be seen to be doing so.

We consider carefully, how our decisions may affect other schools.

We will work in partnership with the LA to fulfill our obligations to the school.

COMMITMENT

We acknowledge that accepting office as a governor involves commitment of significant amounts of time and energy.

We will each involve ourselves actively in the work of the governing body, attend regularly and accept our fair share of responsibilities, including service on committees or working groups.

We will get to know the school well and respond to opportunities to involve ourselves in school activities.

We will consider seriously our individual and collective needs for training and development.

RELATIONSHIPS

We will strive to work as a team.

We will seek to develop effective working relationships with our Headteacher, staff, parents, the LA, other relevant agencies and the community.

CONFIDENTIAL

We will observe confidentiality regarding proceedings of the governing body in meetings and from our visits to school as governors.

We will observe complete confidentiality when required or asked to do so by the governing body, especially regarding matters concerning individual staff or students.

We will exercise the greatest prudence if a discussion of a potentially contentious issue affecting the school arises outside the governing body.

CONDUCT

We will encourage the open expression of views at meetings, but accept collective responsibility for all decisions made by the governing body or its delegated agents.  This means we will not speak out against decisions, in public or private, outside the governing body.

We will only speak or act on behalf of the governing body when we have been specifically authorised to do so.  In making or responding to criticism or complaints affecting a school we will follow the procedures established by the governing body.

Our visits to school will be undertaken within the framework established by the governing body, in agreement with the head teacher and staff.

In discharging our duties we will always be mindful of our responsibility to maintain and develop the ethos and reputation of our school.

SUSPENSION

If the need arises to use the sanction of suspending a governor, we will do so by following the Procedures Regulations so as to ensure a fair and objective process.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

We are required to record any pecuniary or other business interests and personal interests that we have in connection with the governing board’s business.  If any such conflicting matter arises in the meeting we will leave the meeting for the appropriate length of time.  We understand that this is a legal requirement for this information to be published and that failing to reveal this information can prevent the governing body from fulfilling its responsibilities and may be considered in breach of the code of conduct.

BREACH OF THIS CODE OF CONDUCT

We recognise that removing a governor from office is a last resort, and that is the appointing bodies which have the power to remove those they appoint.

If the need arises to use the sanction of removing a governor, we will do so by following the Constitution Regulations so as to ensure a fair and objective process.

 Adopted by the Board of Governors 07.03.16