INFORMATION SHEET FOR GOVERNORS

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

LDBS governors are significant and important members of the school's "governing team". Governors in our schools serve for four years. Being a governor provides an opportunity to make a real contribution to the life of the school by supporting the headteacher and staff, and keeping closely in touch with pupils, parents and the local community.

The LDBS appoints foundation governors in each of the 147 church schools in the Diocese (in these notes LDBS appointed foundation governors will be called simply LDBS governors). In almost every school’s instrument of government it is normal to have two LDBS governors. Other foundation governors are appointed by the deanery synod, PCC and in some cases by Trustees. Foundation governors themselves appoint foundation parent governors. The incumbent is an ex-officio governor. Other governors are appointed by LAs, and elected by teachers and parents. The headteacher is a governor unless s/he chooses not to be. Foundation governors outnumber other governors by a majority of at least two.

ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF LDBS APPOINTED FOUNDATION GOVERNORS

1) LDBS governors are fully participating governors in the same way as all other members of the governing body. However, along with the other foundation governors they are expected to ensure, additionally, that the Christian ethos of the school is developed and enhanced. LDBS governors are urged to challenge the governing body or the school if they feel the school is not upholding its Christian traditions, or if any member of the school community is treated in a way that does not respect the individual.

2) LDBS governors, like all members of the governing body play a full and active part in having oversight of school policies, and ensure that the governors' responsibility for RE and worship, special educational needs and sex education are seriously considered by the governing body as a whole. Church schools should have a distinctively Christian viewpoint with regard to school policies and governors are encouraged to ensure that this is the case.

3) LDBS governors are expected to be aware of Diocesan Board policies, and have regard to them in any decisions they make. The Diocesan Board sends mailings and information to every school twice a term. Only schools which have bought into the Board’s Core services receive the full mailing.

4) All LDBS governors are expected to take their governorship seriously, to take the lead in developing their expertise through induction courses and other governor training opportunities, and by reading relevant materials. In addition LDBS governors should be available, like all other governors, to serve on governing body committees and working parties.

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