9 January 2001
GOVERNORLINE - FREE SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL GOVERNORS
A national advice line for school governors, to be known as GovernorLine, was launched today by Schools Minister Jacqui Smith.
The 370,000 governors in England now have free access to professionally trained staff able to advise them on all aspects of
their work.
Jacqui Smith said:
"This new advice line service will cover all aspects of governors' work and will provide direct contact with independent advisers and a network of governors. The teacher support network TBF will operate the service which will build on the excellent service that the governor organisations already provide.
"Now for the first time there is a single national freephone number any governor can use. They can call on legal, employment and other specialists and obtain advice quickly and easily from serving and experienced governors.
"I recognise the enormous dedication of school governors and the unstinting work they do for our schools. Their commitment in time and energy represents a huge fund of goodwill which we do not take for granted. We are taking steps to give governors greater help and support.
"Last November I launched a public consultation to streamline the duties and responsibilities of school governing bodies. The proposals in the consultation have been developed in response to the concerns governors have raised with us about striking the right balance between their overall strategic role and managing workloads. GovernorLine will help them achieve this balance and aims greatly to aid their effectiveness.
"All new governors will also be entitled to a new induction programme from September 2001 to help them fulfil their key roles in raising standards, providing strategic direction and local accountability.
"The Government wants to ensure that governors are best placed to fulfil their vital role in driving up standards. We are delighted to fund GovernorLine, which will ensure that governors get the professional support they need".
