Wandsworth Governor Services

1. Wandsworth Governor Services Strengthening clerking in Wandsworth

2. Education Act 2002 ‘The governing body must appoint a clerk to the governing body’ Functions of the clerk It is the responsibility of the clerk of the governing body to: • convene meetings of the governing body; • attend meetings of the governing body and ensure minutes are taken; • maintain a register of members of the governing body and report vacancies to the governing body; • maintain a register of attendance and report this to the governing body; • give and receive notices in accordance with relevant regulations; • perform such other functions as may be determined by the governing body from time to time. Guide to the Law for School Governors 2010

3. Current situation • Existing model established in 1990 provides a minute taking service to community schools and other schools who wish to buy-in • Pilot of an enhanced service • VA and foundation schools may use independent clerks

4. Changes in governance • More strategic • Ofsted governance judgement • Focus on school improvement

5. Expectations on clerking have also been raised “the clerk has a clearly specified and important role in ensuring that the governing body performs its functions properly. The role requires a wide range of high level skills and qualities. The Study’s findings indicate that there is an association between the effectiveness of the clerk and the effectiveness of the governing body.” The University of Bath Governance Study 2008

6. White Paper: The importance of teaching‘clarify governing body accountabilities and responsibilities to focus more strongly on strategic direction, and encourage schools to appoint trained clerks who can offer expert advice and guidance to support them’

7. Clerking role • Administrator – preparation of papers, minutes, advising the meeting on procedures and regulations • Information provider – recording storing and producing information for the GB. Overseeing review of school policies • Advisor – legal advice, good practice advice • National clerking standards

8. Supporting clerking in Wandsworth • Internal review 2009 • Consultation with Heads and Chairs 2010 regarding a new service • Pilot project runs Sept 2010 – April 2011 • Set up steering group for pilot • Pilot extended • Council agreement to run new service from September 2011

9. Schools in the pilot Nursery – Balham and Eastwood Primary (Community) – Alderbrook, Chesterton, Smallwood, Westbridge, Wix Primary (VA) – All Saints, Sacred Heart Battersea Secondary – Battersea Park, Burntwood Special – Garratt Park, Linden Lodge New this term: Franciscan, Southmead

10. New service • Quality clerks who have on-going support, briefings and training. (PO1) • An introductory meeting for clerk, Head, Chair, clerking service manager, school business manager to discuss particular clerking support for your school. • Flexibility - add ons – committee meetings additional GB meetings • Recognises that schools are different and have different needs.

11. The benefits of good clerking • Quick turnaround of minutes – including a table of actions • Consistency of clerking • Agenda planning • Sound advice during and between meetings (48 hour response) • Confidence that appropriate procedures are being followed e.g. confidentiality, capability, finance, recruitment • Ensuring statutory responsibilities are being met • Sharing good practice • Ensuring governors are up to date with local and national issues • Keeping governors focussed on their strategic role

12. Benefits of new service • Stronger and more active relationship with a clerk who will have greater knowledge and understanding of the needs of your governing body • Support for heads and chairs in organising governing body business • Sound experienced advice on all governance issues • Reassurance that your governing body is meeting statutory guidance, audit requirements and Ofsted expectations • Good value for money

13. Future Timeline Summer 2011 Pilot will be extended. Existing service will cover summer meetings and then close. September 2011 we run the new style service based on the pilot for those who wish to buy into it.

14. Options and costs • Commit to using the new service for trial period (the autumn and spring terms cost approximately £1200) • Make your own arrangements for clerking

15. Pilot evaluation ‘Clerk very knowledgeable/ organised / asset to GB – organises us effectively- ensures GB carries out statutory duties and effective agenda’. ‘So far we are happy with the service and as a consequence the school is able to concentrate on the issues of governance rather than the mechanics of reporting’. ‘Clerk able to make authoritative contribution to meeting, on several points the Clerk was able to clarify and reassure re correctness and appropriateness of decisions’.