Community Governors
Community governors are invited to join the governing body by the other governors of the school. Anyone employed at the school, pupils and elected members of the Local Authority (councillors) cannot be community governors. Only Community Schools and Voluntary Controlled Schools have community governors. In appointing community governors, governing bodies need to make sure there is adequate representation from the local community.
Staff Governors
Staff governors are elected by all the members of staff at the school and are representatives for that group. The first staff position is reserved for the head teacher if they wish to be a governor. The second position should be filled by a member of the teaching staff unless there is no member is willing to stand, then it can be filled by a member of the support staff. A third position is for a member of the support staff unless there is no one willing to stand, then a member of the teaching staff can fill it. Staff governors should take into account the views of those who elected them but make up their own minds when voting on a specific issue.
Local Authority (LA) Governors
LA governors are appointed by the local authority that maintains the school. Positions may be filled to reflect the local political balance of the council, but there is no obligation to do this. As with all other governors they should be committed to raising standards. They should keep in touch with those who appoint them but are expected to vote in the best interests of the school.
Foundation Governors
Foundation governors are normally appointed by either the Diocese, Arch-Diocese or local Parish Church Council. A percentage of foundation governors must be eligible to be a parent governors at the school.
Parent Governors
Parent governors are elected by the parents of children registered at the school. Parents who are paid to work at the school for more than 500 hours or more in a school year cannot be parent governors. They should keep in touch with those who elected them but make up their own minds on how to vote on any specific issue
Sponsor Governors
Sponsor governors are an optional category on a governing body. They are appointed by a sponsoring body. They can be local businesses who are prepared to give the school money or support in other ways.
Associate Members
Associate members are ‘extra governors’ appointed by the governing body. Associate members can attend governing body meetings and take part in discussions but are not allowed to vote. Associate members can attend committee meetings and can vote if the governing body allows them to and providing full governors are in the majority at that meeting.
