Chapter 1 Introduction to guide for school governors
1.1. 'Every School a Good School – The Governors' Role' is an online reference guide about the roles and responsibilities of school Boards of Governors. It provides school governors with easy access to information and it can assist governors to identify their training needs. It will be updated on a regular basis to take account of changes in policy and legislation.
1.2. The Local Management of Schools (LMS) arrangements continue to operate with decisions on school matters being delegated to school Boards of Governors according to school management type. Future editions of this guide will highlight any changes in these arrangements.
1.3. The range of responsibilities described in the guide is significant. However, governors do not need to be experts to manage them. Help and advice is available from various sources including the school principal, the ELBs and the CCMS. Governors can develop their own knowledge through training and networking with other governors at training and conference events.
1.4. The guide includes a list of the legislation, policy and other documents which affect the roles and responsibilities of school governors for reference purposes. However, the guide does not replace the law and it is not possible to offer a definite interpretation of the law as this is a matter for the Courts. Where specific problems arise, the Board of Governors should seek advice from the ELB School Support Services. Copies of legislation, if they are not held by the school principal, can be ordered from:
The Stationery Office (TSO)16 Arthur Street
Belfast
BT1 4DG
Telephone Local: 028 9023 8451
Telephone International: +44 (0)28 9023 8451
Email: Belfast.bookshop@tso.co.uk
1.5. Copies of all the DE circulars have been sent to the school. The school principal should provide the governors with access to all circulars marked for the information of Boards of Governors and any other circulars or information that they wish to see to enable them to fulfil their responsibilities.
1.6. In this guide any reference to either gender means both male and female.
