We have in place the new style instrument of government which records the name of the school and the constitution of the governing body which has been submitted to the Local Authority. The instrument of government complies with all statutory and legal requirements.

The instrument of government sets out:

• the date when the instrument takes place

• the name and type of the school

• the name of the governing body

• the total membership of the governing body

• the number of governors in each category

• the length of each governors’ term of office

We as a school community have a commitment to promote equality. Therefore, an equality impact assessment has been undertaken and we believe this policy is in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Aims

• To have in place an instrument of government that complies with all statutory and legal requirements.

• To work with other schools to share good practice to improve this policy.

Distribution of an Instrument of Government

The Head and all governors of the school will receive a copy of the instrument of government free of charge from the Local Authority.

Categories of Governors

• Parent Governors are elected by parents and must be a parent or carer of a registered pupil at the time of election. They will not be disqualified from being a governor when their child leaves this school.
• The Headteacher
• A Teaching Staff Governor must be in paid employment at this school at the time of election.
• A Non-Teaching Staff Governor must be in paid employment at this school at the time of election.
• A Local Authority Governor is appointed by the Local Authority.
• A Community Governor is appointed by the Governing Body and is a person who lives or works in the community.

Composition and Numbers

Numbers - there will be at least nine and no more than 20 governors including a sponsor governor.

The composition will be:

• Parent governors – one third or more.

• Staff governors – at least two persons, but no more than one third of the total membership which includes the Head.

• Local Authority governors – at least one fifth.

This policy will be reviewed when necessary.