The government has issued new statutory guidance for the governors of maintained schools on issues including the size and skills of governing bodies.
The guidance, published on 15 May, applies to maintained schools formed on or after 1 September 2012 or whose Instrument of Government has been changed on or after that date. Key points include:
- governing bodies should be no bigger than necessary to secure the range of skills they need stating that: “Smaller governing bodies are likely to be more cohesive and dynamic”;
- the skills and experience that the governing body needs to be effective should be a “key consideration” in appointing and election of all new governors;
- governing bodies should use a skills audit to identify any gaps that need to be filled in the skills, knowledge and experience of existing governors and any additional specific skills or experience the governing body ideally requires; and
- governing bodies should review their effectiveness regularly, including the extent to which their size and structure is fit for purpose.
The guidance was issued on the same day as Education Secretary Michael Gove launched the Inspiring Governors Alliance, made up of organisations including the Department for Education and the National Governors’ Association, whose aims include inspiring more people to become governors.
Mr Gove said: “The future of our school system is in their hands as they hold school and college leaders to account for improving performance and scrutinising finances. There has never been a more important time to be a governor.”
As the role of governors becomes more complex, governing bodies may find it useful to have access to expert legal advice. Palmers can advise on all aspects of education law and other relevant issues, including funding agreements, outsourcing, procurement and contracts with external suppliers and admissions and exclusions. For more information, please contact BJ Chong.
We also provide comprehensive employment law and HR services. For more information, please contact Lara Murray.