ARW/JL 26 September 2014 Dear Parents As you

ARW/JL
26 September 2014
Dear Parents
As you may be aware, our School Committee (i.e. the Governing Body) includes two Governors
who are chosen by parents. Andrew Hudson will complete his term of office at the end of 2014
and we are looking to appoint another parent to replace him. The other Parent Governor is
Robert Barton, whose term of office runs until December 2016.
Independent school governors have a rewarding but increasingly complex role. Most, as
trustees, are guardians of the charity’s assets; they have responsibility for legal and regulatory
compliance and risk management, financial propriety, strategic direction and maintenance of
standards within the school. In much of what they do, relationships within the Governing Body
and with staff, parents and others associated with the school are crucial to good governance.
The full Committee meets three times a year, normally in March, June and November. These
meetings are usually held on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. The Committee consists
of a Clerk (equivalent to Chair), Deputy Clerk, Treasurer and up to thirteen other Governors,
mostly chosen by Quakers in Yorkshire, but including two chosen by Old Scholars, up to two
Co-opted on an annual basis and two Governors chosen by parents. There are three SubCommittees, with oversight of Education, Finance & Resources and Personnel. These each
meet at least three times a year, and all Governors will serve on one or more of these
Committees.
To be eligible as a Parent Governor, you must be the parent of a pupil who is currently
enrolled at the school (Senior or Junior).
If you feel that you could offer your time, expertise and services as a Governor of Bootham
School, please contact Jeanne Long via email - [email protected] by Friday 17
October, providing a brief biographical statement of no more than 250 words. You might like
to mention what professional expertise you have that might be of use to Committee or the
personal qualities you would bring to supporting the school in this role. In addition to the 250
words, please give the names and year groups of your child/children including any who have
already been through the school. Please note that we will edit any submission that exceeds
the word limit so please try and keep within it. We will undertake a postal ballot of parents in
the second half of this term, if we have more than one nomination.
The Term of Office is generally four years, with an option to serve for up to a further four
years (if still eligible). If you would like to find out more about the responsibilities of being a
Governor, before putting your name forward, please see the attached role description and who
to contact for further information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely
Jonathan Taylor
Headteacher
Chris Petrie
Clerk to General Committee
MEMBRA SUMUS CORPORIS MAGNI
Founded by Quakers in 1823. Educating young people from 3-18 years
Bootham School is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 1686068
Registered Office: 51 Bootham, York YO30 7BU. Registered Charity No. 513645
York YO30 7BU
t 01904 623261 f 01904 652106
e [email protected]
w www.boothamschool.com
THE ROLE OF A GOVERNOR
Collectively with other members of the Governing Body, a governor has the following
responsibilities and duties:
Main Responsibilities
Determine the overall direction and development of the school through good governance
and clear strategic planning.
Ensure that the school and its representatives function within the legal and regulatory
framework of the sector and in line with the school’s governing document, continually
striving for best practice in governance.
Uphold the fiduciary duty invested in the position, undertaking such duties in a way that
adds to public confidence and trust in the school.
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Main Duties
Ensure the school complies with legislative and regulatory requirements, and acts within the
confines of its governing document.
Act in the best interest of the school, beneficiaries and future beneficiaries at all times.
Promote and develop the school in order for it to grow and maintain its relevance in society.
Maintain sound financial management of the school’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in
line with its objectives, and investment activities meet accepted standard and policies.
Interview, appoint and monitor the work and activities of the senior staff.
Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the school and its resources, striving for
best practice in good governance.
If required, act as a counter signatory where a cheque, application for funds, contract,
agreement or other specified document is outside the powers delegated to senior staff.
Maintain absolute confidentiality about all sensitive/confidential information received in the
course of governors’ responsibilities to the school, and to accord with the conflicts of
interest policy.
Know and support the Quaker ethos and aims of the school and its long-term Vision, ensure
that these are achieved.
Know the overall tasks of the Governing Body and ensure that these are fully carried out.
Contribute his or her expertise to the discussions of the Governing Body and, if possible, at
least one committee.
Respect the confidentiality of the Governing Body and all information about the school’s
staff, parents and pupils.
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Accountability
As the board is responsible and liable for the governance and functioning of the school, they
are accountable in varying degrees to a variety of stakeholders, including: parents, students,
staff, the Charity Commission and Companies House. Full Induction and training will be
provided to explain these responsibilities.
Further information
If you would like to speak to the Clerk to General Committee (Chair), please contact Chris
Petrie [email protected] or contact Jeanne Long, [email protected]
who will put you in touch with someone who can help.
Bootham School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young
people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are
subject to a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure.

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