ALP Schools is a chain of five “Good” schools, each with their own local governance group. The group meets three times per year in person at a local school, online options would be available as and when required. In addition, once a year an online Executive Board meeting is held to discuss company wide strategy and vision.

Role Purpose in ALP Schools

Our governors work together to carry out their core functions:

-Ensuring there is clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
-Holding leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its learners.
-Overseeing the financial performance of each school and making sure its budget is well spent on the education of our learners.
-Ensuring the voices of stakeholders are heard

Governors also ensure that the governing body complies with all legal and statutory requirements.
Governors are supported and can seek the advice of the clerk to the governing board and other
professionals as appropriate. They have access to a range of training platforms to support their
development as a Governor.

Governing body strategic responsibilities in ALP Schools

Governing bodies work closely with headteachers and senior management. Headteachers are
responsible for day-to-day management whereas the role of the governing body is strategic. As such,
governors are responsible for:

-Contributing to the principles that guide school policies and approving key policies
-Working collaboratively to develop a strategy for achieving the vision ensuring that parents, pupils, staff and the wider community are involved, consulted and informed as appropriate
-Ensuring that all learners have access to a suitable curriculum such that they are well prepared for the next stage of their education and adult life
-Monitoring each school’s budget and ensuring it is managed effectively together with premises and other resources
-Ensuring robust risk management procedures are in place and that risk control measures are appropriate and effective
-Monitoring the schools strategic Improvement Passport

Monitoring and evaluating school performance

Governors monitor the priorities that have been set to ensure progress is being made by:

-Measuring the school’s impact and progress towards its strategic objectives
-Ensuring the required policies and procedures are in place and the school is operating effectively in line with these policies
-Evaluating relevant data and feedback provided by school leaders and external reporting on all aspects of school performance
-Asking challenging questions of school leaders in order to hold them to account
-Visiting the school to monitor implementation of the strategy and reporting back to the board
-Ensuring that there are policies and procedures in place to deal with complaints effectively

Panels and committees

When required, governors are expected to serve on panels or committees in order to:

-Hear staff grievances and disciplinary matters
-Review decisions to exclude learners
-Deal with formal complaints

Contribution to the governing body

Governors should ensure that they are making a positive and meaningful contribution to the
governing body by:

-Attending meetings, reading papers and preparing questions for senior leaders in advance
-Establishing and maintaining professional relationships with senior leaders and colleagues on the board
-Getting to know the school, including visiting the school occasionally during school hours
-Undertaking induction training and developing knowledge and skills on an ongoing basis

Expenses

Governors will receive out of pocket expenses incurred as a result of fulfilling their role as governor.
Payments can cover incidental expenses, such as travel and dependency care, but not loss of
earnings.

Get in touch with us! Whether you are unsure what skills you could bring to the table, want an informal chat, or just want some more details about our governance, we will be happy to help.