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Foundation Governors

The distinctive role of Foundation Governors

The key function of foundation governors is to: ‘explore, with their partners on the governing body, ways in which the Church’s role in the school may be more fully and positively implemented’. (The National Society, 1996)

Foundation governors are the representatives of the Church of England on the Governing Body. Their task, on behalf of the local Church community, is to ensure that the Christian foundation of the school is upheld by endeavouring to cultivate respect for the spiritual and moral beliefs of the Christian tradition and by seeking to create a community in which pupils, cared for as individuals, are helped to find fulfilment as they grow towards adulthood in the context of the multi-faith society present in the UK today. Foundation governors can best serve this community by their active involvement in all aspects of the life and work of the school; not being afraid to remind the Governing Body of the Church’s role and seeking ways of strengthening it. As an active Christian presence within the school they are a vital link between parish and school, playing a unique role in strengthening and enriching the dynamic relationship between school, church and the wider community.

As with all good governance, the key requirements are to:

• Understand your role as that of a ‘critical friend’ of the school, i.e. being prepared to ask the difficult and challenging questions about the school’s provision and performance but able to do so in a supportive and encouraging way.
• Have a good idea as to what the questions are that need to be asked.
• Have some idea of what the answers ought to be i.e. what a ‘good one looks like’!

The Diocesan Education team offers regular training for Foundation Governors, details of which will be sent to schools and also posted on this site.

PCC secretaries - For recruiting/re-appointing foundation governors, please read the PCC information booklet for guidance. The documents needed for the recruitment pack are;

• Data Protection Act
• Declaration of Eligibility
• Recommendation Form

and can be found below.

Once completed, please return to the administrator at Diocesan House.