Dear Parent/Carer

PARENT GOVERNOR ELECTION  

There are two parent Governor vacancies on the College’s Governing Board and I am writing to invite nominations to fill these.  Please think about becoming a Governor or encouraging others to volunteer.  

Parent Governors are welcomed as valued members of the Governor team and play an important role; the Governing Board works together as a group, meeting at least once every half term. Together we are responsible for the strategic direction of the College, promoting high standards of educational achievement and ensuring our resources are used to maximum impact. Life as a Governor is interesting and varied and we feel sure that there are parents prepared to take on this important role and give their time and commitment to helping us to continue to improve the College's performance.  

The full Governing Board usually meets six times a year.  In addition, there are 6 committees: Curriculum, Resources (including a Value for Money sub-committee), Human Resources, Admissions, Pay and Audit and Risk. The committees meet a minimum of three times a year and we ask Governors to sit on two committees that are relevant to their knowledge, experience and expertise, so typically each Governor attends 2 to 3 meetings each half term.  Most of the Governor meetings are on a Tuesday and usually start at 4.30pm lasting for approximately two hours. In addition to the committee meetings all Governors are linked to one or two lead responsibilities and are expected to meet with their links once a term and once a year, if possible, attend a Governors’ day which lasts the whole day.  Governors also sit on interview panels and are invited to attend events that go on throughout the College year, such as the Sports Awards, Premier Awards and Post 16 Celebration of Achievement to name a few, but of course no individual is expected to attend all of these.  

We aim to be effective in our role by having a good understanding of what is happening within the College without getting involved in the day to day management. Thus, there is a time commitment each Governor has to be able to make, but we endeavour to make that manageable for the many who work full time.  

Our aim is to have a mix of Governors from as wide a range of backgrounds and experience as possible and we are always keen to extend the diversity of our Board. Training and support will be available to help you develop into the role. This will include in-house mentoring and support as well as access to external Governor training, such as induction training for those who are new to governance. The term of office for parent Governors is four years. For further information about the role please get in touch with myself on 01395 255626 or email me at natalie.mann@exmouthcollege.devon.sch.uk. 

If you would like to stand for election, please read, complete and sign the attached trustee statement and nomination form, returning this to me no later than 12 noon on Monday 9^th October 2023.   If you wish you can include a few details about yourself and why you would like to become a Governor (not exceeding 100 words). This will then be circulated to all parents to help them decide who to vote for if an election is required. You do not have to complete this section, but if you don’t you may put yourself at a disadvantage if there is an election. An election, by secret ballot, will be held if more nominations are received than the number of vacancies. If an election is needed details of the procedure will be sent to you and all parents.  

Nominations must be from parents or carers with children at the College on the day that nominations close. The attached sheet summarises the disqualification criteria to serve as a Governor. Anyone standing for election must certify that he/she is not disqualified for any reason. Parents / carers who have paid employment in the College for 500 hours or more, per academic year, or who are elected members of the Local Authority, are not eligible to stand in these elections.  

Yours sincerely 

Natalie Mann 

Governance Professional