Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a governor?
2. What are the different categories of governor that make up a governing body?
3. How long can a governor serve on a governing body?
4. Can a governor take time off work because he/she is a governor?
5. Can I be paid for being a governor?
6. What is an instrument of government?
7. Are the Minutes of governing body meetings confidential?
8. How do I go about placing an item on the agenda for a future governing body meeting?
9. What is the composition of a governing body?
10. How much notice do you need to give before the meeting?
11. Can anyone attend a governing body meeting?
12. What is the quorum for governing body meetings?
13. Is the governing body obliged to automatically supply a copy of minutes of its meetings to its LEA?
14. Should a clerk be appointed to every committee of the governing body?
15. Do governing bodies have to hold an annual parents meeting?
16. Do governing bodies have to produce an annual report to parents?
17. If a governor has missed meetings for a continuous period of 6 months, although apologies have always been sent to the clerk in advance, can they be disqualified?
18. How are LEA governors appointed?
19. If you are a parent governor and your child leaves the school during your term of office, can you remain as a parent governor?
20. Are teacher or staff governors eligible to stand for the position of Chair of the governing body?
21. Is it a requirement that governors attend training sessions?
22. I am a new clerk and not sure how the agenda should be organised?
23. How long can a governor remain as Chair to the governing body?
24. Can a Deputy Head regularly attend governing body meetings and take part in proceedings?
25. How long is the term of office for a governor?
26. Is it a statutory requirement to have a representative from a minor authority (e.g. Community Council) as an additional community governor on a primary school governing body?