Our Governing Body is a diverse group of professionals who care deeply about the school, its staff and its students, and work closely in a professional capacity with the Headteacher.

Effective governance:

•   ensures clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;

•   holds executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of staff; and

•   oversees the financial performance of the organisation and makes sure its money is well spent.

The Governors of SHSB believe it is important that boards reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. They are always looking to ensure that their own Governors reflect the diversity within the school community, and wish to encourage people with the right skills, experience, qualities and capacity to consider the role.  They use the data about the board's diversity to inform their recruitment and training needs and to ensure there is always a diverse range of perspectives around the table to support robust decision-making.

The Governing Board operates a circle model of governance, whereby Governors work collectively as a 'whole team' with minimal committees; currently they meet six times per year (once per half-term) to make decisions, consider monitoring reports and recommendations, and conduct routine business.  Separate committees operate in the areas of Pay and Personnel and Health & Safety; in addition, the lead Governors in the areas of Finance & Audit, Pay & Personnel, Curriculum & Pupil Matters, Facilities, plus the Chair and Vice-Chair, meet at least once per term as the Executive Committee.  Focus groups meet three times per year to scrutinise aspects of school data and finance in more depth: Pupil Data, Accounts and Audit, and Forecast & Budget.  Provision is made for Governors to form committees and appeal panels to deal with Pupil Discipline & Exclusion; Staff Discipline and Dismissal; Admissions; Complaints; Grievances; Pay; and the Headteacher's Performance Review.

The term of office for a Governor is four years. School governors are entitled to time off work for public duties: https://www.gov.uk/time-off-work-public-duties

If you would like to offer your services as a Governor, please contact the Clerk to the Governing Body, Mrs Carolyn Higgs, at the school to discuss the role:  governors@shsb.org.uk.