Officers of the Governing Body

The governing body elects a Chair and Vice-Chair and decides the process for this.

The Chair and Vice-Chair of the governing body are elected by governors. 

The term of office of the Chair and Vice-Chair can be between 1-4 years.

An employee/pupil at the school who is a governor may not be the Chair or Vice-Chair of governors.

What is the role of the Chair and Vice-Chair?

The role of the Chair (and Vice-Chair in the Chair's absence) is extremely varied and can include the following:

• Ensure the business of the governing body is conducted properly, in accordance with legal requirements                   
• Ensure meetings are run effectively, focusing on priorities and making the best use of time available, and ensuring that all members have an equal opportunity to participate in discussion and decision-making
• Establish and foster an effective relationship with the Headteacher based on trust and mutual respect for each other’s roles.  The Chair has an important role in ensuring that the governing body acts as a sounding board to the Headteacher and provides strategic direction
• Be the point of communication between the governors, the community served by the school and the public
• Be available as a first point of contact with the LA on the many matters where consultation or collaboration are required
• Carry out functions of the governing body if a delay in exercising a function is likely to be seriously detrimental to the interests of the school, a pupil at the school or their parents, or a person who works at the school.  (The following functions are excluded from this: matters related to the alteration and closure of schools, change of school category, approval of the budget, discipline policies and admissions)
• While no precise duty is laid down in respect of contact with the Headteacher and the school, the Chair of Governors will, by nature of his/her office, normally develop a close supportive relationship with the Headteacher and the school. It is also important for the Chair to develop the practice of including the Vice-Chair in any discussions or, decisions so that he/she is prepared to step into the Chair’s shoes at a moment’s notice.