Academy Committee Members

Who are we?

All of us serve the Local Academy Committee (LAC) because we want to support the school in its development as critical friends. Some, like the parent Academy Committee Members (ACMs), are directly elected by the parents; 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 LAC with a wide range of expertise and professional interests including higher education, social work, counselling, publishing and local administration. In addition, Associate ACMs provide an additional layer of 'know-how' in specific areas of importance to the Local Academy Committee. Associate ACMs do not have voting rights.

At Bannockburn we actively promote equality and our LAC is diverse and reflective of our school community. We recognise, value and celebrate diversity and build good relationships and understanding between people.

How often do we meet?

The Local Academy Committee meets once a term, with its committees also meeting at least once a term. The committees have specific areas of responsibility, namely  Standards and Resources. All Academy Committee members are expected to serve on at least one of the committees. 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 ACMs develop their own expertise?

• Attending training sessions organised by the local authority and meeting other ACMs
• 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 Headteacher
• Discussion with staff, drawing on the observations made
• Attending staff/ACM 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 ACM. The role is a vital one in the LAC because of the importance of parents as stakeholders in children’s welfare and therefore their perspectives are critical to the effectiveness of the LAC. If you want to find out more about being an ACM, you might want to look at the National Governors’ Association website and/or speak to one of the current parent ACMs.

We were delighted to hear in December 2012 that the LAC had been awarded Governor Mark Accreditation, an official recognition of the effectiveness of governance at the school and the positive role played by ACMs 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.  January 2023, following an NGA audit, we were deemed effective as a Governing Board.                                  

Register of ACM Business Interest

The LAC at Bannockburn Primary maintains a register of business interests indicating, for all ACMs 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 ACMS and the school.

It is important that ACMs and staff act impartially. The LAC 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 ACMs to declare an interest likely to lead to questions of bias when considering any item of business at a meeting and for the ACM concerned to withdraw, if necessary, whilst the matter is considered.

Currently, Sue Kimmins has a member of her family working in the school office. Kafayat Eletu is a governor at Willow Dene School. Sarah Catterall is a governor at Plumcroft Primary School. Rachel Ford is a member of the Challenge Board for the Maritime Trust.

Contact details for the Local Academy Chair: info@bannockburn.greenwich.sch.uk

Governors Code of Practice

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

Financial Benchmark Service

One employee salary at Bannockburn Primary school is currently in the salary bracket £100,000+

PolyMAT Governance

PolyMAT Website

ACM