Governing Body

LAWRENCE SHERIFF SCHOOL

RUGBY

Lawrence Sheriff School – Governors’ Code

(Reviewed March 2018)

This document sets out the principles under which the governors (“we”) of Lawrence Sheriff School (“the school”) do our work. It cannot be all-encompassing, but in circumstances not covered here governors should act in line with the spirit of this document.

We will act selflessly in the school’s best interests at all times, having regard to the needs of students, staff, parents and the wider community.

We aim to create an educational community which enables all of its members to be happy and to fulfil their true potential. We emphasise the school’s pursuit of academic excellence whilst also working with the students to foster their spiritual, moral, physical and emotional development.

We will get to know the school well and respond to opportunities to involve ourselves in school activities, while respecting individuals at all levels within the school community.

We believe that governance arrangements for the school have historically worked well, and intend that they should not be fettered by overenthusiastic bureaucracy or regulation for the future.

We will have full regard for the authority of the headteacher and their team.

We recognise that strong relationships based on trust are at the heart of good governance: they create the atmosphere where tough but necessary questions can best be asked and resolved. We see the relationship between governors and school leaders as a mix of constructive challenge and keen support. We are all in this together.

We understand that the role of a governor is strategic, not operational. If at times the boundary is blurred, we will consult to ensure we act appropriately within our authority.

We will encourage the free expression of our individual views and differences as we reach decisions. Once decisions are made we will abide by them with unanimity.

We will work openly and honestly, maximising each other’s strengths and recognising that the governor role suits committed people with a wide variety of skills and qualities.

We will not shrink from challenging poor behaviour should it arise among us.

We accept that being a governor is time-consuming (10 to 20 days a year at a current estimate, and unlikely to reduce given modern approaches to regulation). We will devote the necessary time.

We are committed to both initial and ongoing training in our governor roles, arranged and paid for by the school, and we recognise this as essential in supporting and developing our performance.

We will respond with all reasonable promptness to communications regarding our governor work, prepare thoroughly for meetings and attend them with regularity.

The governor who acts as headteacher of the school (currently Dr Peter Kent) makes the additional commitment that, as far as lies within the headteacher’s power:

• governors will be reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses on governor business.

• the governing board will be provided with a high level of professional clerking which ensures that meetings are well planned and take place at appropriate intervals with manageable agendas and papers provided seven days in advance.
• governors will be positively encouraged to play a full part in school life and governance.

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