How to get a headstart in your new role

Finally, here are a few practical tips on what you need to do when starting as a new governor

• Provide the clerk to the governing board with your contact details and information required for Get Information About Schools Database
• Ensure that you have submitted all the required documents for your registration as a member of the governing board, including your DBS check to the school office within 21 days of appointment.
• Read and sign the following documents:
  • Your Governing Board’s Code of Conduct
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education – Part 1, 2 and Annex A.
• Complete your Declaration of Interests (ask the clerk about it if you have any questions)
• Ask the governing board if they have a Governor Skills Audit for you to complete and return.
• Make sure you have all the governing board meeting dates in your diary and have set aside time to read papers and prepare in advance of meetings.
• Ask for a copy and familiarise yourself with the school’s safeguarding policy, procedures and arrangements.
• Complete online safeguarding training and return certificate to the clerk or school office.
• Arrange a meeting with the headteacher and chair of governors, ask for a tour of the school.

All the best in your new role and thank you once again for committing to support education in Buckinghamshire. 

Please contact schoolgovernance@buckinghamshire.gov.uk if the school improvement team can provide any support or answer any questions to support you in your new role.