An effective clerk is an invaluable resource enabling the
governing body to concentrate on its key strategic role of school
improvement. Responsibilities include:
- convening and attending meetings of the governing body
- taking minutes
- keeping a register of governing body members and
attendance
- reporting vacancies to the governing body
It is essential for the clerk to have a clear job description.
The DfE has published a national job description and person
specification for clerks in recognition of the increasing
responsibilities expected of them and the key role that a good
clerk can play in helping a governing body to be effective. Please
click on the link below to access the DfE model job
description.
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Clerks job description
(25KB, 4 pages)
The clerk should keep abreast of the law and regulations,
providing advice and support to the governing body.
Peterborough governor development team provides the following
support to clerks of governing bodies subscribing to Peterborough
governor service.
National training programme
This is highly recommended for all new clerks and for those
clerks wishing to progress from a 'minute-taker' to the full scope
of the post. It is designed to raise the status and competency of
clerks so that they may make a significant contribution to
supporting governing bodies and raising standards in schools. This
session is offered once a year as a daytime course in Peterborough
but can also be accessed at other locations through the
Cambridgeshire local authority training programme.
Clerks' briefing
Each term clerks of Peterborough governing bodies are invited to
attend a briefing session. The sessions, which are informal in
nature, provide an opportunity for the governor development team to
bring to the attention of clerks any new initiatives and to discuss
items of current interest to clerks and governors.
Peterborough governor development team helpline
A helpline is provided by the Peterborough governor development
team to assist all clerks and governors of subscribing schools.
Experienced staff are available to provide assistance on all
queries relating to school governance.
Governing body resources
A range of resources is available to assist clerks in their
role. Under the subscription all new clerks receive a CD-Rom
containing resources useful for their new role as a clerk. Further
publications, include managing the work of the governing
body on CD ROM, contact Peterborough governor services
team or for details of other resources available under the
subscription service.