Chairs and Vice Chairs

Who to contact

Governor Support Service
7th Floor
Huyton Municipal Buildings
Archway Road, Huyton
L36 9YU

Telephone: 0151 443 2709 or 2707

Email: governor.support@knowsley.gov.uk

The Chair takes the lead in helping the members of the governing body to understand their roles - strategic, support and advice, securing accountability and ensuring that the governing body and individual governors respect the role of the headteacher in the day to day running of the school. A summary of tasks is listed below.

The Chair's role is to:

  • Ensure the governing body's affairs are conducted according to the law
  • Ensure that meetings are well run
  • Help the governors work as a team
  • Work effectively with the headteacher, establishing a constructive relationship
  • Ensure that the governing body acts as a sounding board to the headteacher and provides strategic direction
  • Carry out any duties delegated by the governing body
  • Use time effectively, their own and other people's
  • Undertake specific roles under, for example, performance management
  • Not to get involved in operational issues

'The Chair works with others to ensure that a real strategic partnership exists between the Governing Body and the staff of the school. The school’s Leadership Team and the Governing Body have different but complementary roles and responsibilities for the strategic direction and the success of the school. Where these are well understood, a climate of respect, co-operation and trust prevails. Where relationships are good, governors are motivated, their strengths and individual contributions are effectively used, there is an open dialogue about strengths and weaknesses and the school is effectively challenged and supported.' Source: Taking the Chair

Termly meetings with Chairs and Vice Chairs with Leadership Team
Meetings to discuss matters of policy and consult on future priorities and, as Chair of Governors you are able to attend. It is important that your Vice-Chair attends as your representative, however both may attend if you so wish. Meetings will take place at Huyton Arts and Sports Centre for Learning on the following dates:

  • 27 January 2011 (5.30pm - refreshments from 5pm)
  • 12 May 2011 (5.30pm - refreshments from 5pm)

The following section gives you useful guidance to help you fulfil your role. The information is aimed at current Chairs, Vice-Chairs, Chairs of committees and aspiring Chairs.  You can request An introduction to Chairs by clicking here.

Useful resources and links:

Useful reading

  • Making it Better: Improving School Governance, Ofsted 2001, Ref. HMI 281