Terms of Reference Governors’ Resources Committee

Chaucer Primary School

Resources Committee

 Terms of Reference (Reviewed October 2017)

The Resources Committee has been formed in 2014 by combining the previous Finance and Staffing Committee with the Premises and Community Committee. The Resources Committee will consist of at least 6 members including the headteacher. The quorum will be four members as long as staff members do not outnumber non-staff members. Non-voting participants may be invited to meetings by the committee as and when required. The membership of the committee shall be reviewed and determined annually by the governing body.  The agreed membership of the committee is attached (at Annex 1).

 

Meetings:

 

The chair of the committee and headteacher shall be responsible for convening any meetings of the committee and establishing an agenda. Procedures of any meetings held must be minuted and these minutes circulated amongst committee members as soon as possible after the meeting. A copy will be sent to the Chair of Governors and the Clerk to the Governors at White Cross so that they may be formally presented for the next full meeting of the governing body.

 

The committee shall meet at least once a term and otherwise as required.

 

Responsibilities

 

Finance responsibilities

 

  • To provide guidance and assistance to the headteacher and the governing body on all financial issues.

 

  • To recommend to the governing body internal financial regulations for the financial management of the school in accordance with guidance issued by the Authority.

 

  • To consider budget plans presented by the headteacher and to make recommendations to the governing body for approval.

 

  • To consider budget monitoring reports relating to all public funds (i.e. school budget share and any other funds delegated and devolved by the LEA) and make recommendations to the governing body.

 

  • To recommend virements between budget headings where the value is in excess of the sum delegated to the headteacher under the school’s internal financial regulations.

 

  • To consider and make recommendations on all finance policies of the school including those relating to charges, lettings and income.

 

  • To contribute to the school’s development/improvement plan including consideration of the longer term resource requirements of the school.

 

  • To consider the appropriate level of reserves and balances bearing in mind guidance produced by the Authority.
  • To consider the annual audited accounts of all unofficial funds prior

to presentation to the governing body.

 

  • To consider audit reports and other relevant reports and make

recommendations to the governing body.

 

  • To consider and advise on any financial matter referred to it by the governing body.

 

  • To respond, on behalf of the governing body, to any consultations relating to the Scheme of Delegation or the Funding of Schools.

 

Staffing responsibilities:

 

  • To prepare staff policies for approval by the governing body.

 

  • In conjunction with the headteacher, to draw up a staffing structure (teaching and non-teaching staff, posts of responsibility, etc.) and to review it annually.

 

  • To ensure that all the procedures relating to the recruitment, selection and appointment of staff are in place and that they are kept under review following any changes in legislation.

 

  • To carry out all procedures for the appointment of new teaching staff (except headteacher or deputy headteacher) and key support staff, in accordance with agreed arrangements. (Each governing body will need to determine this in relation to the number and scale of appointments made and the size of the committee.)

 

  • To delegate to the headteacher all provision of supply cover of under one term’s duration.

 

  • To delegate to the headteacher and one committee member the appointment of all other support staff.

 

  • To consult as required (e.g. over pay policy) with all staff or with recognised trade unions.

 

  • To ensure that appropriate job descriptions are in place.

 

  • To check that the arrangements for staff appraisal (performance management) are in place and being developed.

 

  • To monitor the programme of staff development and training and ensure it meets the needs of the school development/improvement plan and of the staff.

.

  • To receive regular reports on staff absence, if not already reported to the full governing body.

 

  • Review annually the unit total of the school and the effect, if any on the ISR

 

 

NOTE     

  • The appointment of a headteacher or deputy headteacher is not a function of this committee.
  • Headteachers should not take part in the appointment process for their

successor.

 

Premises Responsibilities:

 

  • To exercise delegated responsibility for the condition, repair, extension or alteration of premises.

 

  • To inspect annually the premises and grounds and prepare a statement of priorities for maintenance and development for the approval of the governing body.

 

  • To advise the governing body on major projects deemed to be necessary or appropriate.

 

  • To work with relevant partners and consultants to ensure that new buildings and improvements, as agreed with the governing body, are progressed, and where appropriate that the payments are made.

 

  • To act on behalf of the governing body in monitoring the implementation and progress of all building related plans.

 

  • To monitor the maintenance and upkeep of the school premises and grounds.

 

  • Where it is the responsibility of the governing body, to make recommendations to the governing body on the appointment of consultants or the providers of premises related services.

 

  • To determine the use of the school premises outside school session time including advice to the governing body on a possible charging policy which must be determined by the governing body.

 

  • To provide support and guidance to the headteacher on all matters relating to the school premises and grounds, security and Health and Safety.

 

  • To ensure that arrangements are in place for the dissemination of Health and Safety information to all building users, including staff, pupils and visitors.

 

  • To review the school’s Health and Safety policy as and when required and to advise along with the headteacher, the governing body with regard to its compliance with Health and Safety Regulations.

 

  • To monitor accident reports and fire drills and where appropriate recommend and take advice on remedial action.

 

  • To ensure the school complies with Health and Safety regulations, including that a regular audit of risk assessment is undertaken and to take action where necessary.

 

  • To promote co-operation between all employees at the school to achieve and to maintain a safe and healthy workplace for staff and pupils.

 

  • To examine safety inspection reports and to make recommendations where remedial action is required.

 

Community Responsibilities:

 

  • To be mindful of the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act.

 

  • Consider the school’s relationship with parents and families and the promotion of an effective home-school partnership.

 

  • Assist the head teacher in recruiting the support and involvement of business and industry.

 

  • Formulate a publicity and marketing policy for approval by the governing body and oversee its implementation.

 

  • Assist in preparing the school prospectus for approval by the governing body.

 

  • Any other appropriate issue that may be delegated to the committee by the governing body.