We believe this policy should be a working document that is fit for purpose, represents the school ethos, enables consistency and quality across the school and is related to the following legislation:

• Education Act 1996

• Local Government Act 2000

• Parent Governor Representatives (England) Regulations 2001

• Education Act 2002

• Education Act 2005

• Government of Maintained Schools (Wales) Regulations 2005

• Education and Inspections Act 2006

• School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2007

• School Governance (Federations) (England) Regulations 2007

• School Governance (Parent Council) (England) Regulations 2007

• School Governance (Procedures) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2007

• Equality Act 2010

• School Finance (England) Regulations 2012

• School Governance (Roles, Procedures and Allowances) (England) Regulations 2013

• School Governance (Constitution and Federations) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014

The following documentation is also related to this policy:

• Governors' Handbook: For Governors in Maintained Schools, Academies and Free Schools (DfE)

• The Constitution of Governing Bodies of Maintained Schools: Statutory Guidance for Governing Bodies of Maintained Schools and Local Authorities in England (DfE)

• Equality Act 2010: Advice for Schools (DfE)

• Race Disparity Audit - Summary Findings from the Ethnicity Facts and Figures Website (Cabinet Office)

We believe it is important that governors and staff not only act impartially but are also seen to act impartially. The governing body and school staff have a responsibility to avoid any conflict between their business and personal interests and affairs and those of the school. 

We believe there is a legal duty on all governors to declare an interest likely to lead to questions of bias when considering any item of business at a meeting and for the governor concerned to withdraw, if necessary, whilst the matter is considered. Therefore, we have established a register of business interests for all governors and the headteacher which will enable governors to demonstrate that in spending public money they do not benefit personally from decisions that they make.

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.

We all have a responsibility to ensure equality permeates in to all aspects of school life and that everyone is treated equally irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We want everyone connected with this school to feel safe, secure, valued and of equal worth.

We acknowledge the findings of the Race Disparity Audit that clearly shows  how people of different ethnicities are treated across the public services of health, education, employment and the criminal justice system. 

The educational section of the audit that covers: differences by region; attainment and economic disadvantage; exclusions and abuse; and destinations, has a significant importance for the strategic planning of this school.

We believe it is essential that this policy clearly identifies and outlines the roles and responsibilities of all those involved in the procedures and arrangements that is connected with this policy.

Aims

• To establish and maintain a register of business interests for all governors and the headteacher.

• To ensure compliance with all relevant legislation connected to this policy.

• To work with other schools and the local authority to share good practice in order to improve this policy.

Role of the Governing Body

• responsibility for ensuring the Register is kept up to date;

• responsibility of declaring and registering their business interests, and those of any person that may be connected with them, when dealing with the school;

• delegated powers and responsibilities to the Headteacher to ensure all school personnel and stakeholders are aware of and comply with this policy;

• responsibility for ensuring that the school complies with all equalities legislation;

• nominated a designated Equalities governor to ensure that appropriate action will be taken to deal with all prejudice related incidents or incidents which are a breach of this policy; 

• responsibility for ensuring funding is in place to support this policy;

• responsibility for ensuring this policy and all policies are maintained and updated regularly;

• responsibility for ensuring all policies are made available to parents;

• responsibility for the effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation of this policy.

Role of the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team 

• ensure all school personnel, pupils and parents are aware of and comply with this policy;

• provide leadership and vision in respect of equality;

• provide guidance, support and training to all staff;

• monitor the effectiveness of this policy by speaking with pupils, school personnel, parents and governors;

• annually report to the Governing Body on the success and development of this policy.

Role of the Clerk to the Governing Body

Clerk will ensure that the Register is kept up to date.

Register of Business Interests

The Register will show for each governor:

• The name of the company that they work for

• List of any directorships that they may have

• List of significant shareholdings

• Other business connections

• Business interests of any immediate family members

Maintenance of Register

The Register will:

• be up to date

• show all current governors

• show any appropriate changes 

The Register will be signed annually by the Chair of Governors.

Retention of Register

The completed register will be retained by the governing body as a confidential document and will be made available on request to:

• members of the governing body

• the Headteacher 

• staff

• parents

• the Chief Education Officer

Cycle

The Register will be updated at the Annual Governors Meeting or when the need arises.

Equality Impact Assessment

Under the Equality Act 2010 we have a duty not to discriminate against people on the basis of their age, disability, gender, gender identity, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

This policy has been equality impact assessed and we believe that it is in line with the Equality Act 2010 as it is fair, it does not prioritise or disadvantage any pupil and it helps to promote equality at this school.

Monitoring the Implementation and Effectiveness of the Policy

The practical application of this policy will be reviewed annually or when the need arises by the coordinator, the Headteacher and the Chair of Governors.

A statement of the policy's effectiveness and the necessary recommendations for improvement will be presented to the Governing Body for further discussion and endorsement. 

This Policy will be reviewed when annually

Next review date will be Summer 2022