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    GOVERNOR SUPPORT

    Achieve and operate with excellence and efficiency

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    Introduction

    The S4S Governor Support Department have many years’ experience working with a range of educational establishments and are committed to providing you with high quality services and support.

    Whilst we have a range of packages available, we are happy to discuss your individual requirements so that we can provide a bespoke service tailored to your ever changing needs.

    We deliver a range of packages which provide a complete professional clerking service and a comprehensive programme of Governor Training and Development.

    Our Department works with Governors to assist them in their increasingly complex role in the strategic management of their School/Academy to promote high standards of educational achievement. All our clerks are DBS checked.

    Enabling Decision Making

    Clerks have a key role in making sure Governors’ limited time is well used at a strategic level, rather than wasted on unnecessary tasks that should be delegated.

    Our clerking service includes:

    • Collaborative preparation of focussed agendas for Board and committee meetings
    • Distribution of agendas and accompanying papers
    • Circulation of draft minutes to the Chair and/or Headteacher within 15 working days of the meeting.
    • Ensuring meetings are quorate and management of governor attendance and absence
    • Advice on Board composition including vacancies, disqualifications and expiry of terms of office.
    • Support for Governors and appointing bodies on timely management of appointments and governor election processes
    • Advising and leading on procedural matters relating to the election of a Chair
    • Maintaining a register of pecuniary and business interests.

     

    Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
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    Supporting Leadership and Management

    “A professional clerk is essential to an effective and efficient Governing Board and its committees.  The enormous value of a good clerk as legal adviser should not be underestimated” NGA – Governing Matters

    We have a team of experienced, professional clerks to support and guide your Governing Board meetings and committees. Our clerks will work alongside your Governors to assist them in their increasingly complex role in the strategic management of your School or Academy.  All of our clerks are accredited, or working towards the accredited clerk qualification.

    Your S4S clerk will be on-hand to support and guide your Governing Board meetings and committees. We will advise Governors on the practicalities of Headteacher accountability for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, the performance management of staff and the monitoring of financial performance and effective use of the schools resources.

    S4S clerks are independent and accountable directly to the Governing Board, avoiding potential objectivity issues that could occur if clerks are employed by an academy chain, or by the school in another capacity.

    Trusted Advice

    It is essential that your Governing Board has confidence in the advice offered by the clerk.  At S4S we pride ourselves on the quality of advice we provide, we will:

    • Advise the Governing Board on governance legislation and procedural matters before, during and after meetings
    • Act as the first point of contact for Governors with queries on procedural matters.
    • Have access to appropriate legal advice, support and guidance, and will where necessary seek advice and guidance from third parties on behalf of the Governing Board.
    • Inform the Governing Board of any changes to its responsibilities as a result of a change in school status or changes in the relevant legislation.
    • Advise on the annual calendar of Governing Board meetings and tasks.
    • Send an induction pack to new Governors and ensure they have access to appropriate documents, including any agreed code of practice.
    • Maintain up to date records of the names, addresses and category of Governing Board members and their term of office and inform the Governing Board and any relevant authorities of any changes to its membership.
    • Maintain copies of current terms of reference and membership of any committees and working groups and any nominated Link Governors e.g. child protection and SEND
    • Undertake appropriate and regular training and development to maintain his/her knowledge.
    • Keep up to date with current educational developments and legislation affecting school governance.

    Developing Skills and Confidence

    The S4S Governor Support service offers your Governing Board ready access to a comprehensive CPD programme. We have a catalogue of pre-defined courses, but can build a support programme to match the needs of your establishment.

    You can see the full range of courses and development opportunities we have available at:

    www.services4schools.org.uk/training

    What Our Customers Say

    Headteacher, Wolverhampton Primary School

    ‘I have used the S4S Governor Support services for a few years now and find I have a high quality, knowledgeable, and trustworthy support service for the Governors and myself, as Head teacher. The services provide a wealth of information and experience to support our school. The Clerk to the Governing Body meetings provides invaluable support and guidance throughout all tricky matters from Governor protocols to details of Financial procedures. I don’t know where I would be without my Clerk, she’s brilliant!  Thank you S4S !

    Headteacher, Wolverhampton Primary School

    ‘I can’t speak highly enough of the level of support we receive at Oak Meadow for S4S’s clerking service. The professional support we receive in the calling, clerking and minuting of Board meetings is exceptional and the knowledge and understanding of legislation governing meetings is unparalleled to information I possess as Headteacher! Speaking on behalf of all Governors, we value, respect and appreciate fully the service we receive’.

    school business manager, wolverhampton

    “In my role as School Business Manager I know that governance meetings will be coordinated and recorded within timeframes, allowing me to contribute and participate effectively in the meetings. S4S Governor Support is a very comprehensive package that gives you just what you need: knowledgeable staff and prompt responses.”

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