Governors roles and responsibilities

Tidemill Academy has a Board of Governors who are jointly responsible for working with the headteacher and staff to make sure that Tidemill provides the best quality education for children in its community.  On becoming a governor individuals automatically become directors and charity trustees of Tidemill Community Academy Trust,which is responsible for everything related to the school, is an exempt charitable company limited by guarantee.  For this reason, you may also hear Governors being referred to as “Directors”.

Some Governors are elected by parents of children at the school and others are co-opted onto the board of governors because of their knowledge or experience.  Specific responsibilities of governors are:

		To comply with company law.
		To challenge and support the headteachers and school staff by drawing upon their experience.
		To consider make decisions together on matters such as performance, targets, school policies and school development plans.
		To monitor the impact of policies and oversee school budgets and staffing.
		To report on school achievements and respond to inspection recommendations.
		To hear appeals from pupils and staff and consider complaints.
		To ask searching questions and respect the position of the headteacher as the professional leader of Tidemill Academy.

Despite the fact that governors are volunteers it does require commitment and attendance at termly meetings.  In return, governors can:

		make a difference to how well schools are run
		see how their efforts help raise standards
		do something positive for the next generation
		serve the local community
		help realise their own potential by learning new skills

With some exceptions, anybody over the age of 18 can become a Governor of Tidemill.  If you are interested in becoming either a parent or community governor then please contact the school office for further information.