The composition of a governing body should reflect a wide range of groups from the community.
Parent Governors
All schools have a number of places reserved for parents of pupils at the school. Parents will receive a letter when a vacancy arises inviting nominations. Where there are more parents wishing to serve as governors than vacancies, an election is held. If there are fewer parents than vacancies, parents can be elected unopposed.
Staff Governors
Both teaching and support staff paid to work at the school are eligible for staff governorship. Staff governors are elected by the school staff – any election which is contested must be held by ballot. (The headteacher is a member of the governing body by virtue of their office and counts as a member of the staff category). (Source: Guide to the Law).
Authority Governors
Each school’s governing body has a number of governors who are appointed by the Local Authority (LA). Nominations to fill Authority governor vacancies can be made by the school or the local County Councillor for the area. Appointments are made on the basis of the individual’s interests and experience at work, home or elsewhere which may be relevant to being a governor.
Community Governors
Most schools (other than voluntary aided schools) have a number of places reserved for representatives of the community. These community governors are invited to join the governing body by the other governors. However, to be eligible, an individual needs to be known to the school.
Foundation Governors
If the school is supported by a foundation, which is normally related to a religious denomination, then some of its governors are appointed by that foundation. In the case of a voluntary aided school, the majority of governors are foundation schools.
Sponsor Governors
Persons who give substantial assistance to the school, financially or in kind, or who provide services to the school can be appointed by the governing body as sponsor governors. It is at the governing body’s discretion whether they choose to appoint sponsor governors or not.
Clerk to Governors
The governing body must appoint a clerk to the governing body. Governors, associate members and the headteacher of the school cannot be appointed as clerk to the governing body.
Associate Member
The definition of associate member is wide and pupils, school staff and people who want to contribute specifically on issues related to their area of expertise (for instance finance) can be appointed.
The term of office for a school governor is normally four years.