All Governing Boards, no matter what type of schools or how many schools they govern, have four core functions: Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction; holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the performance management of staff; overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent; and ensuring the voices of all stakeholders are heard.
At Exminster School, the Full Governing Board meet nine times per year (read recent minutes), with a mixture of virtual and face-to-face meetings. Between these meetings individual governors are responsible for a portfolio, and have delegated responsibility for defined areas of work. Any work undertaken by the portfolio holders is reported to the Board at its next meeting.
In addition, the Board has a Pay and Performance Committee, which meets three times a year, with delegated responsibility for ensuring that staff appraisal is appropriately carried out.
There are two further committees which only meet if there is a need for them to do so. These committees are convened to consider any formal proceedings, such as a staff disciplinary issue or the permanent exclusion of a pupil.
