School Governors in Britain

[A.E.B.Bevan at open.ac.uk]

No: HPFGUIDX 24545

Official information on the duties of School Governors in Britain is 
on this government FAQ  (warning probably morqe iformation than you 
ever wanted to know)

Public  Schools (ie private schools) governing bodies will in 
addition have responsibilities to make sure that fees and other 
income are as appropriate, and managing funds. It is likely that 
major finacial assets will be the responsibility of trustees who 
report to the Governors.

Broadly the Governors are responsible for a range of statutory duties 
and planning the policy of the  school. In Britain  the Head Teacher 
is responsible for actually implementing this policy and in practice 
adegere eof separation of powers emerges which should be familiar to 
US people


So for example Governors would set out a general dress code but its 
up to the Head and staff to interpret this.  Governors should not 
second guess the professional teaching staff on lesson presentation 
but can influence educational patterns within the agreed curriculum 
by finding some parts more readily than others,

They should also ensure a proper system of pastoral care and – for 
example – provide a mechanism for dealing with bullying of pupils by 
staff.  Which raises questions as to how effective Hogwarts governors 
are (Snape are you listening?)
 
Edis

http://www.dfee.gov.uk/governor/faq.htm