Governors

Who are we?

All of us serve the governing body because we want to support the school in its development as critical friends. Some, like the parent governors, are directly elected by the parents; some are appointed by the local authority while others are co-opted by the governing body as representatives of the wider community and areas of expertise. In addition the Headteacher, as the chief executive in the school, is a member alongside an elected staff representative.

We are very fortunate in having a strong governing body with a wide range of expertise and professional interests including higher education, social work, counselling, publishing and local administration. In addition, Associate Governors provide an additional layer of 'know-how' in specific areas of importance to the Governing Body. Associate Governors do not have voting rights.

How often do we meet?

The full governing body meets once a term, with its committees also meeting at least once a term. The committees have specific areas of responsibility, namely Finance and Personnel, the Curriculum, Premises and Pay and Strategy. All governors are expected to serve on at least one of the committees. In reality most serve on at least two of them. Alongside this formalised structure other meetings are set up to meet specific needs at a particular time.

What do we see as our key responsibilities?

• To help formulate the strategic directions of the school
• To contribute to the development of school policies
• To play a significant role in appointment of new staff, especially those at a senior level
• To review levels of achievement across the curriculum and to explore with the staff ways of enhancing further the children’s education
• To monitor how the school is meeting children’s generic needs, embracing emotional and social needs as well as the academic
• To contribute to the school’s evaluation procedures and the school improvement plan
• To agree the school’s budget and to monitor its implementation

How do governors develop their own expertise?

• Attending training sessions organised by the local authority and meeting other school governors
• Participating in induction sessions organised by the school
• Making visits to the school, frequently focusing on key aspects of school life, as negotiated with the Head.
• Discussion with staff, drawing on the observations made
• Attending staff/governor development events at school and elsewhere

How can I contribute to the governance of
the school?

We would urge parents to seriously consider standing for election as a parent governor. The role is a vital one in the governing body because of the importance of parents as stakeholders in children’s welfare and therefore their perspectives are critical to the effectiveness of the governing body. If you want to find out more about being a governor, you might want to look at the National Governors’ Association web-site and/or speak to one of the current parent-governors.

We were delighted to hear in December 2012 that the Governing Body had been awarded Governor Mark Accreditation, an official recognition of the effectiveness of governance at the school and the positive role played by governors in the school's development. This accreditation takes account of a portfolio of evidence compiled over a period of 18 months so we were relieved and gratified that this lengthy process came to a very successful conclusion. In December 2016 we became the first school in the Royal Borough of Greenwich to be awarded Governor Mark Accreditation for the second time and we see this as a measure of our commitment to the critical appraisal of governance in the school.                                          

Register of Governors Business Interest

The governing body at Bannockburn Primary maintains a register of business interests indicating, for all governors and the headteacher, any business interests. This includes the company by whom they are employed, directorships, significant shareholdings or other appointments of influence within a business or other organisation which may have dealings with the school. The register enables governors to demonstrate that in spending public money they do not benefit personally from decisions that they make. Currently, there are no conflicts of interest between the governors and the school.

It is important that governors and staff act impartially. The governing body and school staff at Bannockburn have a responsibility to avoid any conflict between their business and personal interests and affairs and those of the school. There is a legal duty on all governors to declare an interest likely to lead to questions of bias when considering any item of business at a meeting and for the governor concerned to withdraw, if necessary, whilst the matter is considered.

Currently, Sue Kimmins has a member of her family currently working in the school office. Kafayat Eletu is a governor at Willow Dene School. Rachel Ford has a member of the family contracted to deliver a wellbeing program.

What if I wish to make a complaint about a school governor?

Guidance on Complaining Against a Governor from Greenwich Borough

Please click below to view the Annual Governance Statement for academic year 2019-2020

Annual Governance Statement 2020-2021

Please click on the link below to view the UK Government's Schools Financing Benchmark Service

Financial Benchmark Service

Governors