Governing Body Meetings

Governing bodies must meet three times a year by law.

Meetings are not open to the public, but the governing body can invite an 'observer' if they wish.

The meeting must be quorate – decisions/resolutions cannot be made unless a minimum number of board members are present.

A governor can be disqualified from office if he or she fails to attend a meeting for six months, without the consent of the governing body.

A Chair and Vice Chair must be elected, although people employed at the school cannot be elected as Chair or Vice Chair.

Seven days notice must be given in order for a meeting to be held. Shorter notice may be given if the Chair agrees there is an urgent need.

The minutes of the meeting, agenda and any other papers must be made available.

The governing body do not have to make every decision – they can delegate some of their functions and powers to the headteacher or to a committee.

For further information on how meetings should be conducted please consult the Guide to the Law.