Governing Bodies are free to decide how they want to elect their Chair and Vice-Chair.
It is good practice to agree the system they wish to use in advance. Whilst it is no longer necessary to hold the elections at the first meeting of the Autumn Term, most Governing Bodies still choose to do so. It would therefore be a good idea to agree the protocol to be used in the Summer Term.
Things to consider would include whether nominations are required in time to be included on the Agenda, or simply made at the meeting and whether the ballot is to be undertaken by a show of hands or a secret ballot. The legislation allows governors to self-nominate.
One requirement of the legislation is that the candidates should leave the room when the voting takes place.
Before the vote, the term of office should be decided. The election of a Chair of Governors can be for a period of up to four years but must not be for less than one year.
In short the manner and process in which the Governing Body seeks nominations and appoints their officers is very much for each Governing Body to determine.
That said, this freedom does not allow for a change regarding where and how decision making takes place. The Governing Body must meet and the decision relating to appointments must be made in the Governing Body meeting by those present and voting. The Governing Body must be quorate. Officers cannot be “elected” informally, by letter, e-mail or by proxy voting, no matter how convenient this may appear.
Other points that must be born in mind are:
- Appointments to the chair should be made at the first meeting following notification that the Chair is vacant;
- Governors who are paid to work at the school in any capacity cannot take on the role of either Chair or Vice-Chair. The Chair or Vice-Chair must resign their position if they accept a paid appointment at the school.
This guidance was last updated in September 2011.
Call GovernorLine on 08000 722 181 or you can e-mail us from this site.
