Westerton Primary Academy

A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE GOVERNING BODY

Westerton Primary Academy 

Introduction

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

 The Governing Board accepts the following principles and procedures:

 General

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


2. We recognise that the Principal is responsible for the implementation of policy and internal organisation and management of the academy, and the implementation and operation of the curriculum.                                                


3. We accept that all governors have equal status, although appointed by different groups (e.g. parents, staff, Local Authority) and that every governor’s role is to govern the academy in the best interest of pupils and not to represent the interests of the constituency from which they were elected or appointed.                                                                                                           


4. We have no legal authority to act individually, except when the Governing Board has given us delegated authority to do so                                                


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


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


7. We will consider carefully, how our decisions may affect other schools and academies, particularly within our Leodis Academies Trust. 

Commitment

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


9. We will each involve ourselves actively in the work of the Governing Board, attend meetings frequently, and accept our fair share of responsibilities, including membership of committees or working groups.                                   


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


11. Every member of the Governing Board will actively contribute relevant skills and experience                                                                                                    


12. We uphold an ethos of professionalism and have high expectations of the governors’ role, including an expectation that they undertake whatever training or development activity is need to fill any gaps in the skills they need in order to contribute to effective governance. If a governor fails persistently to do this they will be in breach of the Code of Conduct and may bring the Governing Board or the office of governor into disrepute – and as such provide grounds for the Governing Board to consider suspension. 

Relationships

13. We will strive to work as a team.                                                                         


14. We will seek to develop effective working relationships with our Principal, staff, parents, the Leodis Academies Trust, the Local Authority, any other relevant agencies, and the community. 

Confidentiality

15. We will observe any need for confidentiality regarding proceedings of the Governing Board in meetings and from our visits to the academy as governors.                                                                                                           


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


17. We will exercise the greatest prudence if a discussion of a potentially contentious issue affecting the school arises outside the Governing Board. 

Conduct

18. We will encourage the open expression of views at meetings, but accept collective responsibility for all decisions made by the Governing Board or its delegated agents.                                                                                                  


19. We will only speak or act on behalf of the Governing Board when we have been specifically authorised to do so.                                                                        


20. In making or responding to criticism or complaints affecting the academy we will follow the procedures established by the Governing Board.                                


21. Our visits to the academy will be undertaken within the framework established by the Governing Board, in agreement with the Principal and staff.                                                                                                                     


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

Suspension 

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

Removal

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


25. If the need arises to use the sanction of removing a governor or removing the Chair, we will do so by following legal requirements so as to ensure a fair and objective process.