Citation and commencement

1. These Regulations may be cited as the Education (Groups of Grant-maintained Schools) (Initial Governing Instruments) Regulations 1994 and shall come into force on 7th December 1994.

Initial instrument of government

2. For the purposes of section 118(1) of the Education Act 1993 the initial instrument of government for the governing body of a group shall be set out in the Schedule to these Regulations.

Initial articles of government

3. For the purposes of section 118(1) of the Education Act 1993 the initial articles of government for each school in a group shall be in accordance with those required (under any regulations(3) in force at the time of incorporation of that group) for a grant-maintained school, or, as the case may be, a grant-maintained special school, and for those purposes-

(a)any references to the staff committee are to the committee established under the instrument of government for the group, and

(b)any duty to prepare an annual report to parents and to hold an annual parents' meeting shall be performed by the governing body separately in relation to each school in the group.

SCHEDULEINITIAL INSTRUMENT OF GOVERNMENT FOR A GROUP

Interpretation

1.-(1) In this Instrument-

"the 1986 Act" means the Education (No. 2) Act 1986(4);

"the 1988 Act" means the Education Reform Act 1988(5);

"the 1993 Act" means the Education Act 1993(6);

"core governor" means an initial core governor or a governor appointed under paragraphs 2 to 7 or 12(2) of this Instrument;

"foundation school" means a school which was a voluntary school immediately before it became grant-maintained or which was established in pursuance of proposals published under section 49 of the 1993 Act;

"funding authority" has the meaning assigned to it by section 5(1) of the 1993 Act;

"the Governing Body" means the governing body of any group of grant-maintained schools (including grant-maintained special schools) for which this Instrument is the instrument of government;

"hospital special school" means a special school established in a hospital;

"implementation date" means the date specified in the Proposals as the proposed date for their implementation;

"incorporation date" means the date on which the Governing Body were incorporated;

"initial core governor" means a person named as such in the Proposals;

"registered", in relation to parents or pupils, means shown in the register kept under section 80 of the Education Act 1944(7);

"special school" means a grant-maintained special school;

"the School" means a school conducted by the Governing Body.

(2) In this Instrument, references to "the Proposals" are to the proposals which led to the formation of a group of schools which are currently in the group and where the Secretary of State has modified the proposals, to the proposals as so modified.

(3) In this Instrument, unless the context otherwise requires, "parent", in relation to a pupil at the School, includes any person-

(a)who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him, or

(b)who has care of him,

except for the purposes of paragraphs 6, 8, 9, and 10 below, where it only includes such a person if he is an individual.

(4) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (3) above-

(a)"parental responsibility" has the same meaning as in the Children Act 1989(8); and

(b)in determining whether an individual has care of a pupil, any absence of the pupil at a hospital or boarding school and any other temporary absences shall be disregarded.

Core governors

2.-(1) Core governors may be either-

(a)appointed by the governing body; or

(b)externally appointed.

(2) Externally appointed core governors may be either-

(a)appointed in respect of a particular foundation school in the group; or

(b)where the group consists only of foundation schools, appointed in respect of the group otherwise than by the governing body.

(3) Where the group includes one or more foundation schools the governing body shall include such number as may be specified in the Proposals of externally appointed core governors in respect of each foundation school in the group.

(4) Where the group consists only of foundation schools the governing body shall include such number of externally appointed core governors in respect of the group as may be specified in the Proposals.

(5) The persons entitled to appoint external core governors in respect of each foundation school shall be those named in the Proposals.

(6) The persons, if any, entitled to appoint externally appointed core governors in respect of the group shall be those named in the Proposals.

Core governors appointed in respect of foundation schools

3. An externally appointed core governor in respect of a foundation school must be appointed-

(a)where any statement annexed to the Proposals in pursuance of which the school became a grant-maintained school described the religious character of the school, for the purpose of securing that (subject to any change of character of the school which may be authorised under Part II of the 1993 Act) the religious character of the school is such as was indicated in the statement; and

(b)where there is a trust deed relating to the school, for the purpose of securing that the school is conducted in accordance with the deed.

Core governors appointed other than in respect of particular schools

4.-(1) Core governors, other than externally appointed core governors appointed in respect of particular foundation schools in the group, shall be appointed from among persons who appear to the person making the appointment to be committed to the good government and continuing viability of all the schools in the group.

(2) A person who is a member of the teaching or other staff at any of the schools in the group is disqualified from holding office as a core governor, other than an externally appointed core governor.

Groups consisting only of foundation schools

5.-(1) This paragraph applies to groups consisting only of foundation schools.

(2) The minimum number of externally appointed core governors shall be one greater than the number of core governors who are not externally appointed.

(3) Any head teacher of a school in the group who has chosen not to be a governor shall be counted as one for the purpose of sub-paragraph (2) above.

(4) In respect of each school in the group there shall be the same number of externally appointed core governors.

(5) The total number of externally appointed core governors in respect of schools in the group shall not be less than the highest number not exceeding the number referred to in sub-paragraph (2) above, that is consistent with sub-paragraph (4) above.

Other groups

6.-(1) This paragraph applies in the case of a group which contains one or more schools which are not foundation schools.

(2) If any school in the group is a foundation school one externally appointed governor must be appointed in respect of that school.

(3) Subject to sub-paragraph (4) below the appropriate number of the core governors must (on the date or dates on which they respectively take office) be parents of registered pupils at schools in the group.

(4) In the case of a group containing one or more special schools sub-paragraph (3) above shall apply only to the extent that compliance is reasonably practicable.

(5) Except in the case of a group containing one or more special schools, the appropriate number of the core governors must (on the date or dates on which they respectively take office) be members of the local community.

(6) Except in the case of a group containing one or more special schools the governing body must, in appointing core governors, secure that those governors include persons appearing to the governing body to be members of the local business community.

(7) In the case of a group consisting only of special schools, not less than two of the core governors must be persons with experience of education for those with special educational needs.

(8) In the case of a group, not falling within sub-paragraph (7) above or sub-paragraph (9) below, which contains one or more special schools-

(a)at least one of the core governors must be a person appearing to the governing body to be a member of the local community, and

(b)at least one of the core governors must be a person with experience of education for those with special educational needs.

(9) In the case of a group consisting of one or more foundation schools and one or more special schools only at least one of the core governors must be a person with experience of education for those with special educational needs.

(10) The number of core governors must be such number, not being-

(a)less than five; or

(b)subject to (a) above, more than the number of schools in the group,

as will secure that they and the parent governors outnumber the other governors.

(11) Any head teacher of a school in the group who has chosen not to be a governor shall be counted as one for the purpose of sub-paragraph (10) above.

(12) One person may satisfy any number of the requirements in sub-paragraphs (3), (5), (6), (7), (8)(a), (8)(b) or (9) above in so far as any of those sub-paragraphs apply to the group.

(13) In sub-paragraphs (3) and (5) above "the appropriate number" means not less than two or, if all but one of the schools in the group are foundation schools, at least one.

Power of Secretary of State to replace core governors

7.-(1) The Secretary of State shall have power, where any of sub-paragraphs (2), (3) and (5) below apply to replace all or any of the core governors, other than any externally appointed core governors appointed in respect of a particular school.

(2) This sub-paragraph applies where the Governing Body have been guilty of substantial or persistent failure to comply, or secure compliance, with any requirement imposed by or under any enactment.

(3) This sub-paragraph applies where-

(a)there is a report of an inspection of the school in which the person who made it expressed the opinion that special measures were required to be taken in relation to the school;

(b)either that person was a member of the Inspectorate or the report stated that the Chief Inspector agreed with his opinion;

(c)if any registered inspector or member of the Inspectorate has made a later report of an inspection of the school under Chapter I of Part V of the 1993 Act, he did not express the opinion in the report that special measures were not required to be taken in relation to the school; and

(d)the Secretary of State has received a statement prepared under section 210 of the 1993 Act (statement of special measures to be taken by the Governing Body), or the period allowed under subsection (2) of that section for the preparation of such a statement has expired.

(4) Expressions used in sub-paragraph (3) above which are also used in Part V of the 1993 Act shall have the same meaning as in that Part.

(5) This sub-paragraph applies where in the opinion of the Secretary of State any action taken or proposed by the Governing Body, or any failure of the Governing Body to act, is prejudicial to the provision of education by any of the schools.

(6) The Secretary of State shall have power to make such provision as he thinks fit for filling vacancies for core governors other than externally appointed core governors if it appears to him that the governing body are unable or unwilling to fill the vacancies.

(7) Paragraphs 2 to 6 shall not apply for the purpose of the appointment of any core governor under this paragraph.

Parent governors and teacher governors

8.-(1) The Governing Body shall include such number of parent governors and such number of teacher governors, as is specified in the Proposals.

(2) In the case of a group consisting only of hospital special schools the parent governors shall be appointed by the other members of the governing body.

(3) Those members shall, in appointing a person under sub-paragraph (2) above:-

(a)appoint a person who is the registered parent of a registered pupil at any of the schools, where it is reasonably practicable to do so; and

(b)where it is not, appoint a person who is the parent of one or more children of compulsory school age.

Election of parent governors and teacher governors

9.-(1) The Governing Body shall secure that where a vacancy occurs which is required to be filled by election,

(a)parent governors are elected by a single electorate consisting of registered parents of registered pupils at any school in the group which is not a hospital special school (each parent having the same number of votes), and

(b)teacher governors are elected by a single electorate consisting of teachers at any school in the group (each teacher having he same number of votes).

(2) It shall be for the Governing Body to determine, for the purposes of an election of parent or teacher governors, any question whether a person is-

(a)a registered parent of a registered pupil at any of the schools; or

(b)a teacher at any of the schools.

(3) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, it shall be for the Governing Body to make all necessary arrangements for, and to determine all other matters relating to, any such election.

(4) The power conferred by sub-paragraph (2) above includes power to make provision as to qualifying dates but does not include power to impose any requirement as to the minimum number of votes required to be cast for a candidate to be elected.

(5) An election of parent or teacher governors which is contested must be held by secret ballot.

(6) The arrangements made under sub-paragraph (2) above shall, in the case of any election of a parent governor, provide for every person who is entitled to vote in the election to have an opportunity to do so by post or, if he so prefers, by having his ballot paper returned to any of the schools by a registered pupil at that school.

(7) Where a vacancy for a parent governor is required to be filled by election, the Governing Body shall take such steps as are reasonably practicable to secure that every person who is known to them to be a registered parent of a registered pupil at any of the schools is-

(a)informed of the vacancy and that it is required to be filled by election;

(b)informed that he is entitled to stand as a candidate, and vote, at the election; and

(c)given an opportunity to do so.

Appointment of parent governors by the Governing Body

10.-(1) If-

(a)one or more vacancies for parent governors are required to be filled by election; and

(b)the number of parents standing for election as parent governors is less than the number of vacancies,

the required number of parent governors shall be made up by persons appointed by the other members of the Governing Body.

(2) Those members shall, in appointing a person under sub-paragraph (1) above-

(a)appoint a person who is the registered parent of a registered pupil at any of the schools, where it is reasonably practicable to do so; and

(b)where it is not:-

(i)in the case of a group consisting only of special schools appoint a person who is the parent of one or more children of compulsory school age with special educational needs or, if that is also not reasonably practicable, the parent of a person of any age with special educational needs, and

(ii)in any other case appoint a person who is the parent of one or more children of compulsory school age.

Head teacher

11. The Governing Body shall include the head teacher of each of the schools as a governor ex officio except in any case where he decides not to be.

Appointment of additional governors

12.-(1) The Secretary of State may appoint not more than two additional governors if it appears to him that the Governing Body are not adequately carrying out their responsibilities in respect of the conduct or management of any of the Schools.

(2) During any period when any additional governors appointed by the Secretary of State by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) above are in office, the Governing Body may appoint a number of additional core governors not greater than the number of additional governors appointed by the Secretary of State who are then in office.

(3) Paragraphs 2 to 7 and paragraph 13 of this Instrument shall not apply to core governors appointed under sub-paragraph (2) above.

Tenure of office: core governors

13.-(1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, each core governor shall hold office for such term as was specified in the Proposals as the term of office for initial governors of that category.

(2) An initial core governor shall hold office for such term beginning with the incorporation date as may be specified as his proposed term of office in the Proposals.

(3) Any additional core governor appointed in pursuance of paragraph 12(2) above shall hold office for such term (not being more than five years) as may be specified in the terms of his appointment.

(4) Any core governor appointed in pursuance of paragraph 7 above shall hold office for such term (not being less than five nor more than seven years) as may be specified in the terms of his appointment.

Tenure of office: parent and teacher governors

14.-(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) below each parent or teacher governor shall hold office for a term of four years.

(2) Where the group was formed as a result of one or more schools not in a group joining a group, or one or more schools in a group leaving the group, any teacher or parent governor who was on the governing body of the previous group shall hold office on the new group for the remainder of his term as if the previous group had continued in existence.

Tenure of office: general

15. Nothing in paragraphs 13 and 14 above shall be taken to prevent a governor-

(a)from being elected or appointed for a further term of office; or

(b)from being disqualified, by virtue of paragraph 4(2) above or paragraphs 20 to 23 below, for continuing to hold office.

Resignation and removal from office

16.-(1) Any governor may at any time resign his office.

(2) Any externally appointed core governor may be removed from office by the person or persons who appointed him.

(3) Where in accordance with this paragraph a governor resigns his office or is removed from office, the governor or, as the case may be, those removing him from office shall give written notice thereof to the Clerk to the Governing Body.

Disqualification for holding office: persons under eighteen years of age

17. Any person who is under the age of eighteen years shall be disqualified for holding office as a governor.

Disqualification for holding office: bankruptcy etc.

18.-(1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, a person shall be disqualified for holding, or for continuing to hold, office as a governor if he has been adjudged bankrupt or has made a composition or arrangement with his creditors; and a governor, on becoming so disqualified, shall give written notice of that fact to the Clerk to the Governing Body.

(2) Where a person is disqualified by reason of his having been adjudged bankrupt, that disqualification shall cease-

(a)on his discharge from bankruptcy; or

(b)if the bankruptcy order is previously annulled, on the date of the annulment.

(3) Where a person is disqualified by reason of his having made a composition or arrangement with his creditors and he pays his debts in full, the disqualification shall cease on the date on which the last such payment is made and in any other case it shall cease on the expiration of three years from the date on which the terms of the deed of composition or arrangement are fulfilled.

Disqualification for holding office: criminal convictions

19.-(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (5) below, a person shall be disqualified for holding, or for continuing to hold, office as a governor where any of sub-paragraphs (2) to (4) or (6) below apply to him.

(2) This sub-paragraph applies to a person if-

(a)within the period of five years ending with the date immediately preceding the date on which his appointment or election as governor would otherwise have taken effect; or

(b)since his appointment or election as governor,

he has been convicted, whether in the United Kingdom or elsewhere, of any offence and has had passed on him a sentence of imprisonment (whether suspended or not) for a period of not less than three months without the option of a fine.

(3) This sub-paragraph applies to a person if within the period of twenty years ending with the date immediately preceding the date on which his appointment or election as governor would otherwise have taken effect, he has been convicted as aforesaid of any offence and has had passed on him a sentence of imprisonment for a period of not less than two and a half years.

(4) This sub-paragraph applies to a person if he has at any time been convicted as aforesaid of any offence and has had passed on him a sentence of imprisonment for a period of not less than five years.

(5) For the purposes of sub-paragraphs (2) to (4) above, there shall be disregarded any conviction by or before a court outside the United Kingdom of an offence which, if the facts giving rise to the offence had taken place in any part of the United Kingdom, would not have constituted an offence under the law in force in that part of the United Kingdom.

(6) This sub-paragraph applies to a person if-

(a)within the period of five years ending with the date immediately preceding the date on which his appointment or election as governor would otherwise have taken effect; or

(b)since his appointment or election as governor,

he has been convicted under section 40 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982(9) (nuisance and disturbance on education premises) of an offence which took place on the premises of a school maintained by a local education authority or a grant-maintained school, and has been sentenced to a fine.

(7) Where, by virtue of this paragraph-

(a)a person becomes disqualified for holding, or for continuing to hold, office as a governor; and

(b)he is, or is proposed, to become a governor,

he shall upon becoming so disqualified give written notice of that fact to the Clerk to the Governing Body.

Disqualification for holding office: absence from meetings

20.-(1) This paragraph applies to any governor of the group other than a head teacher.

(2) Subject to sub-paragraph (6) below, where a governor to whom this paragraph applies has without the consent of the Governing Body failed to attend any meetings thereof for the relevant period, beginning with the date on which he last attended such a meeting, he shall on the expiry of that period be disqualified for continuing to hold office as such a governor.

(3) In sub-paragraph (2) above, the reference to the relevant period is to such period (not being less than six nor more than twelve months) as may from time to time be determined by the Governing Body; and where no such determination has been made is a reference to the period of six months.

(4) Where the Governing Body determine or redetermine the relevant period for the purposes of sub-paragraph (2) above, the Clerk to the Governing Body shall give written notice of that decision to every member of the Governing Body within the period of fifteen days beginning with the date of the decision; and the determination or, as the case may be, the redetermination shall not have effect until the expiry of the period referred to in sub-paragraph (5) below.

(5) The period is that which applies for the purposes of sub-paragraph (2) above at the date of the decision to which the notice under sub-paragraph (4) above relates beginning with the dateof the decision.

(6) The Governing Body may determine that sub-paragraph (2) above shall not apply, but that sub-paragraph (7) below shall apply instead.

(7) Subject to sub-paragraph (8) below, where a governor to whom this paragraph applies has without the consent of the Governing Body failed to attend the relevant number of consecutive meetings of the Governing Body, he shall be disqualified for continuing to hold office as such a governor from the date immediately following the date on which the last such meeting was held.

(8) A person who would otherwise be disqualified by virtue of sub-paragraph (7) above shall not be so disqualified if the period beginning with the date on which he last attended a meeting of the Governing Body to the date of the last of the meetings referred to in sub-paragraph (7) above is less than six months; however, if he has still failed to attend any meeting of the Governing Body on the expiry of the period of six months beginning with the date on which he last attended such a meeting, he shall be so disqualified from the date of the expiry of that period.

(9) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (7) above, the relevant number is the number determined by the Governing Body on resolving, in accordance with sub-paragraph (6) above, that sub-paragraph (7) above shall apply; or such other number as the Governing Body may from time to time determine.

(10) Where the Governing Body make a determination in accordance with sub-paragraph (6) or (9) above, the Clerk to the Governing Body shall give written notice of that determination to every member of the Governing Body within the period of fifteen days beginning with the date of the determination; and the determination shall not have effect until the expiry of the period of six months beginning with the date on which it was made.

(11) For the purposes of sub-paragraphs (4) and (10) above, notice may be given to a person by leaving it at, or by sending it by first class post to, his usual place of residence.

(12) Nothing in this paragraph shall prevent a person, who has been disqualified in accordance with this paragraph for continuing to hold office, from being elected or appointed for a further term of office as a governor.

Notification of appointments and vacancies

21.-(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (3) below, where a vacancy in the office of a core member occurs by reason of his death, or his ceasing to hold office in accordance with the provisions of this Instrument (other than by reason of the expiry of his term of office), the Clerk to the Governing Body shall as soon as is reasonably practicable give notice in writing of that fact to the person or persons entitled to appoint a person to that office.

(2) Subject to sub-paragraph (3) below, the Clerk to the Governing Body shall, at least two months before the date of the expiry of the term of office of an appointed member, give notice in writing of that fact to the person or persons entitled to appoint a person to that office.

(3) Sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) above shall not apply where the person or persons entitled to appoint a person to the office in question have already notified the Clerk to the Governing Body in writing of the person appointed by them.

(4) Where any person or persons make an appointment to the Governing Body, they shall give written notice of the appointment to the Clerk to the Governing Body, specifying the name and usual place of residence of the person so appointed.

Chairman and Vice-chairman of the Governing Body

22.-(1) The Governing Body shall each school year, at their first meeting in that year, elect a Chairman and a Vice-chairman from among their number (subject however to sub-paragraph (2) below).

(2) A governor who is a member of the staff of any of the Schools, or is a registered pupil thereat, shall not be eligible for election as Chairman or Vice-chairman.

(3) Subject to sub-paragraphs (4) and (5) below, the Chairman or Vice-chairman shall hold office as such until his successor has been elected in accordance with sub-paragraph (1) above.

(4) The Chairman or Vice-chairman may at any time resign his office by giving notice in writing to the Clerk to the Governing Body.

(5) The Chairman or Vice-chairman shall cease to hold office if-

(a)he ceases to be a member of the Governing Body;

(b)in the case of the Chairman, he is removed from office in accordance with paragraph 23 below; or

(c)in the case of the Vice-chairman, he is elected in accordance with sub-paragraph (6) below to fill a vacancy in the office of Chairman.

(6) Where by reason of any of the matters referred to in sub-paragraph (5) above a vacancy arises in the office of Chairman or Vice-chairman, the Governing Body shall at their next meeting elect one of their number to fill that vacancy (subject however to sub-paragraph (2) above).

(7) Subject to sub-paragraph (8) below, where the Chairman is absent from any meeting or there is at the time a vacancy in the office of the Chairman, the Vice-chairman shall act as the chairman for the purposes of the meeting.

(8) Where in the circumstances referred to in sub-paragraph (7) above the Vice-chairman is absent from the meeting or there is at the time a vacancy in the office of Vice-chairman, the Governing Body shall elect one of their number to act as chairman for the purposes of that meeting, provided that the governor elected shall not be a member of the staff of any of the Schools, or a registered pupil thereat.

Removal from office of the Chairman of the Governing Body

23.-(1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, the Governing Body may remove the Chairman from office.

(2) Subject to sub-paragraphs (3) and (4) below, a resolution to remove the Chairman from office which is passed at a meeting of the Governing Body shall not have effect unless-

(a)it is confirmed by a resolution passed at a second meeting of the Governing Body held not less than fourteen days after the first meeting ("the second meeting"); and

(b)the matter of the Chairman's removal from office is specified as an item of business on the agenda for each of those meetings.

(3) Where the Governing Body include additional governors appointed by the Secretary of State in accordance with paragraph 12(1) above, sub-paragraph (4) below shall apply instead ofsub-paragraph (2) above.

(4) A resolution to remove the Chairman from office which is passed at a meeting of the Governing Body shall not have effect unless the matter of the Chairman's removal from office is specified as an item of business on the agenda for that meeting.

(5) Before the Governing Body resolve at the relevant meeting on whether to confirm the resolution to remove the Chairman from office, the governor or governors proposing his removal shall at that meeting state their reasons for doing so and the Chairman shall be given an opportunity to make a statement in response.

(6) In sub-paragraph (5) above, the reference to the relevant meeting is-

(a)in any case to which sub-paragraph (2) above applies, to the second meeting held to consider the Chairman's removal; and

(b)in any case to which sub-paragraph (4) above applies, to any meeting held to consider the Chairman's removal from office.

Clerk to the Governing Body

24.-(1) The Governing Body shall appoint a person (who is not a member of the Governing Body) to serve as the Clerk to the Governing Body.

(2) The Governing Body shall have power, where the Clerk to the Governing Body fails to attend any of their meetings, to appoint one of their number to act as clerk for the purposes of that meeting, but without prejudice to his position as governor.

Convening of meetings of the Governing Body

25.-(1) The Governing Body shall hold at least one meeting in every school term.

(2) Meetings of the Governing Body shall be convened by the Clerk to the Governing Body; and, without prejudice to sub-paragraph (4) below, in exercising his functions under this sub-paragraph the Clerk to the Governing Body shall comply with any direction-

(a)given by the Governing Body; or

(b)given by the Chairman or, in his absence or where there is a vacancy in the office of Chairman, the Vice-chairman of the Governing Body, so far as such direction is not inconsistent with any direction given as mentioned in paragraph (a) above.

(3) Any three members of the Governing Body may, by notice in writing given to the Clerk to the Governing Body, requisition a meeting thereof; and it shall be the duty of the Clerk to the Governing Body, subject to sub-paragraph (4) below, to convene such a meeting as soon as is reasonably practicable.

(4) Each member of the Governing Body shall be given, at least seven clear days before the date of a meeting-

(a)notice in writing thereof, signed by the Clerk to the Governing Body; and

(b)a copy of the agenda for the meeting:

• Provided that where the Chairman or, in his absence or where there is a vacancy in the office of Chairman, the Vice-chairman so determines on the ground that there are matters demanding urgent consideration, it shall be sufficient if the written notice of a meeting, and the copy of the agenda therefor, are given within such shorter period as he directs.

(5) The power of the Chairman or Vice-chairman under sub-paragraph (4) above to direct that a meeting be held within a shorter period shall not apply in relation to any meeting at which the Chairman's removal from office is to be considered in accordance with paragraph 23 above.

(6) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (4) above, notice of a meeting, and a copy of the agenda therefor, may be given to a person by leaving it at, or sending it by post to, his usual place of residence.

(7) The convening of a meeting and the proceedings conducted thereat shall not be invalidated by reason of any individual not having received written notice of the meeting or a copy of the agenda therefor.

Termination and adjournment of meetings

26.-(1) If the number of members of the Governing Body who are present at the time and place appointed for a meeting thereof does not constitute a quorum for the purposes of paragraph 27 below, the meeting shall not be held.

(2) A meeting of the Governing Body shall be terminated forthwith if-

(a)the Governing Body so resolve, or

(b)the number of members present ceases to constitute a quorum for a meeting of the Governing Body in accordance with paragraph 27 below.

(3) Where in accordance with sub-paragraph (1) or (2) above a meeting is not held or is terminated before all the matters specified as items of business on the agenda for the meeting have been disposed of, a further meeting shall be convened by the Clerk to the Governing Body as soon as is reasonably practicable.

(4) Where the Governing Body resolve in accordance with sub-paragraph (2)(a) above to adjourn a meeting before all the items of business on the agenda have been disposed of, the Governing Body shall before doing so determine the time and date at which a further meeting is to be held for the purposes of completing the consideration of those items, and they shall direct the Clerk to the Governing Body to convene a meeting accordingly.

(5) In any case falling within sub-paragraph (4) above, the Governing Body may determine that the further meeting referred to in that sub-paragraph shall be held at a date and time which, because of its proximity in time to the adjourned meeting, would not allow the Clerk to the Governing Body a sufficient period for the purpose of giving the notice required by paragraph 25(4) above:

Provided that in such a case the Clerk to the Governing Body shall use his best endeavours to secure that any member of the Governing Body not present at the first meeting is informed of the time and date of the further meeting.

Quorum

27.-(1) The quorum for a meeting of the Governing Body and any vote on any matter thereat shall, subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, be one-third (rounded up to a whole number) of the membership when complete.

(2) Subject to sub-paragraph (3) below, the quorum for the purposes of-

(a)appointing a core or parent governor by the Governing Body; or

(b)any vote on the removal of the Chairman of the Governing Body in accordance with paragraph 23 above,

shall be two-thirds (rounded up to a whole number) of the persons who are at the time members of the Governing Body.

(3) In any case to which paragraph 23(3) above applies, sub-paragraph (2)(b) above shall have effect as if the reference to two-thirds were a reference to one-half.

Minutes of meetings etc.

28.-(1) The minutes of the proceedings of a meeting of the Governing Body shall, subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, be drawn up and entered into a book kept for the purpose by the person acting as the clerk to the Governing Body for the purposes of the meeting; and shall be signed (subject to the approval of the Governing Body) at the same or next subsequent meeting by the person acting as the chairman thereof.

(2) The minutes of proceedings of meetings may be entered on loose-leaf pages consecutively numbered; but in that case the person signing the minutes shall initial each page.

(3) The person acting as the clerk to the Governing Body for the purposes of any meeting shall record immediately before the entry recording the minutes of that meeting in the book or pages used for that purpose the names of those members of the Governing Body present at the meeting concerned.

Public access to meetings

29. Any question whether any person who is not a member of the Governing Body or the Clerk to the Governing Body should be allowed to attend meetings thereof shall be determined by the Governing Body.

Publication of minutes and papers

30.-(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, the Governing Body shall ensure that a copy of-

(a)the agenda for every meeting of the Governing Body;

(b)the draft minutes of every such meeting, if they have been approved by the person acting as chairman of that meeting;

(c)the signed minutes of every such meeting; and

(d)any report, document or other paper considered at any such meeting,

are, as soon as is reasonably practicable, made available at each School to persons wishing to inspect them.

(2) There may be excluded from any item required to be made available in pursuance ofsub-paragraph (1) above, any material relating to-

(a)a named teacher or other person employed, or proposed to be employed, at any of the Schools;

(b)a named pupil at, or candidate for admission to any of the Schools; and

(c)any matter which, by reason of its nature, the Governing Body are satisfied should remain confidential.

Proceedings of the Governing Body

31.-(1) Subject to the provisions of this Instrument and the articles of government for the School and the provisions of Chapter IX of Part II of, and Schedule 5 to, the 1993 Act (as modified by any enactment in relation to groups)(10), the Governing Body may regulate their own procedure in accordance with the following provisions of this paragraph.

(2) The Governing Body shall determine the rules which are to apply for the purposes of regulating their procedure, and shall make a written statement of those rules.

(3) The Governing Body may vary or revoke any of the rules determined under sub-paragraph (2) above; but where they do so they shall revise the written statement made under thatsub-paragraph.

(4) The Governing Body shall comply with the rules determined by them in accordance with sub-paragraph (2) or (3) above.

(5) The Clerk to the Governing Body shall secure that a copy of any statement prepared in accordance with sub-paragraph (2) or (3) above is given to each member of the Governing Body.

(6) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (5) above, a copy of any statement prepared in accordance with sub-paragraph (2) or (3) above may be given to a person by leaving it at, or sending it by post to, his usual place of residence.

(7) Subject to sub-paragraph (8) below, every question to be decided at a meeting of the Governing Body shall be determined by a majority of the votes of the members present and voting on the question.

(8) Where there is an equal division of votes the Chairman or, as the case may be, the person who in accordance with paragraph 22(7) or (8) above is acting as chairman for the purposes of the meeting shall have a second or casting vote.

Restrictions on persons taking part in proceedings

32. Without prejudice to paragraph 29 above, Appendix 1 to this Schedule shall have effect for the purposes of describing the only circumstances and cases in which a member of the Governing Body or any other person present at a meeting of the Governing Body shall be required-

(a)to withdraw from the meeting;

(b)not to take part in the consideration or discussion of any matter; or

(c)in the case of a member of the Governing Body, not to vote on any question with respect to any matter.

Establishment and constitution of committees of the Governing Body

33.-(1) Nothing in this paragraph or in paragraph 34 below shall apply to an appeal committee constituted in accordance with paragraph 39 or 40 below.

(2) Subject to the provisions of the articles of government for the School, the Governing Body may establish such committees as they think fit for the purpose of exercising on their behalf such functions as they may delegate in accordance with paragraph 36 below.

(3) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, the constitution of any committee of the Governing Body shall be determined by the Governing Body.

(4) The membership of any committee of the Governing Body may include persons who are not members of the Governing Body.

(5) Subject to sub-paragraph (6) below, the members of the committee who are not members of the Governing Body shall not be entitled to vote in any proceedings of the committee.

(6) The Governing Body may determine that the members of a committee who are not members of the Governing Body shall be entitled to vote in any proceedings of the committee.

(7) Any member of the committee who is not entitled to vote in the proceedings of that committee shall also not be eligible to be the chairman of that committee.

(8) The Discipline Committee for each School shall include not less than three members of the Governing Body but-

(a)all or any of the Discipline Committees may include or comprise the same persons; and

(b)no head teacher at any of the Schools shall be a member.

(9) There shall be an Admissions Committee for each School (other than a special school) which shall include the head teacher of the School and, in addition, at least two members of the Governing Body.

(10) The Governing Body shall establish a Staff Committee for the purpose of exercising on their behalf functions with respect to the discipline and dismissal of persons employed to work at the Schools.

(11) In this Instrument-

(a)references to the Admissions Committee are to the committee established by the Governing Body in accordance with the articles of government for the School for the purpose of exercising on their behalf functions with respect to the determination of applications for admission to the School, and

(b)references to the Discipline Committee are to the committee established by the Governing Body in accordance with the articles of government for the School for the purpose of exercising on their behalf functions with respect to the exclusion of pupils from the School.

Proceedings and meetings of committees

34.-(1) Appendix 2 to this Instrument shall have effect with respect to the meetings and proceedings of committees of the Governing Body.

(2) Subject to the provisions of Appendix 2, the Governing Body may determine the rules which are to apply for the purposes of regulating the procedure of such committees, and different rules may be made to apply in respect of different committees.

(3) The Governing Body shall make a written statement of the rules determined by them for the purposes of sub-paragraph (2) above.

(4) The Governing Body may vary or revoke any of the rules determined under sub-paragraph (2) above; but where they do so they shall revise the written statement made under sub-paragraph (3) above.

(5) The Clerk to the Governing Body shall secure that a copy of any statement prepared in accordance with sub-paragraph (3) or (4) above is given to each member of every committee to which it applies.

(6) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (5) above, a copy of any statement prepared in accordance with sub-paragraph (3) or (4) may be given to a person by leaving it at, or sending it by post to, his usual place of residence.

(7) Subject to the provisions of Appendix 2 to the Instrument and any rules determined by the Governing Body in accordance with sub-paragraph (2) or (4) above, a committee may regulate its own procedure.

(8) The proceedings of a committee of the Governing Body shall not be invalidated by-

(a)any vacancy among their number; or

(b)any defect in the appointment of any member of the committee.

Restrictions on persons taking part in proceedings of the Admissions,

Discipline and Staff Committees

35.-(1) If a person being a pupil or his parent, is present at a meeting of the Admissions Committee at which the admission of that pupil is a subject of consideration, he shall withdraw from the meeting during the discussion or consideration of the matter in question and shall not vote on any question with respect thereto.

(2) Subject to sub-paragraph (4) below, if a person-

(a)being a pupil or his parent, is present at a meeting of the Discipline Committee at which disciplinary action against that pupil is a subject of consideration;

(b)being a pupil or his parent, is present at such a meeting at which, arising out of an alleged incident involving that pupil, disciplinary action against another pupil is a subject of consideration;

(c)having made allegations, or having been a witness of an alleged incident, is present at such a meeting at which, arising out of those allegations or that incident, disciplinary action against a pupil is a subject of consideration; or

(d)having been concerned (whether as the head teacher or otherwise) with disciplinary action taken against a pupil, is present at such a meeting at which a subject of consideration is an appeal against that disciplinary action,

he shall withdraw from the meeting during the discussion or consideration of the matter in question and shall not vote on any question with respect thereto.

(3) Subject to sub-paragraph (4) below, if a person-

(a)having made allegations, or having been a witness of an alleged incident, is present at a meeting of the Staff Committee at which, arising out of those allegations or that incident, disciplinary action against a person employed at the School is a subject of consideration;

(b)having been concerned (whether as the head teacher or otherwise) with disciplinary action taken against a person employed at the School, is present at such a meeting at which a subject of consideration is an appeal against that disciplinary action; or

(c)being employed at the School is present at any such meeting at which a subject of consideration is disciplinary action against him,

he shall withdraw from the meeting during the discussion or consideration of the matter in question and shall not vote on any question with respect thereto.

(4) Where the Discipline or the Staff Committee are considering disciplinary action against a pupil or (as the case may be) any person employed at the School, nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as precluding that committee, at any hearing conducted by them into the matter, from allowing-

(a)the person against whom disciplinary action is being considered and, in the case of a pupil, his parent to attend the meeting and to be heard in the matter, or

(b)a person who appears to them to be able to give evidence relevant to their consideration of the matter to attend the meeting and present his evidence.

(5) The preceding provisions of this paragraph are without prejudice to the generalityof paragraph 32 above and Appendix 1 to this Instrument (as they have effect by virtue ofAppendix 2 thereto).

(6) For the purposes of this paragraph, "disciplinary action" includes-

(a)in relation to a person who is employed at the School, the suspension and dismissal of that person, and

(b)in relation to a pupil at the school, the permanent exclusion of that pupil from the School.

Delegation of functions

36.-(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) and paragraph 37 below, the Governing Body may, in such circumstances as they think fit, delegate any of the functions conferred on them by or under any enactment, including any functions conferred on them by or under the articles of government for the School, to any committee established by them or to any member of the Governing Body.

(2) Sub-paragraph (1) above is subject to any provision of the articles of government for the School requiring a function of the Governing Body to be delegated to a particular committee of the Governing Body.

Delegation of functions to the Chairman and Vice-chairman in cases of urgency

37.-(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (4) below, the Chairman shall have power, where in his opinion the circumstances mentioned in sub-paragraph (2) below apply, to exercise any function of the Governing Body (other than a function delegated by them to a member or a committee of the Governing Body in accordance with paragraph 36 above or the articles of government for the School).

(2) The circumstances are that a delay in exercising the function would be likely to be seriously detrimental to the interests of any School in the group, or to the interests of any registered pupil at the School or his parent, or a person employed to work at the School.

(3) In sub-paragraph (2) above, "a delay" means a delay for a period extending beyond the day preceding the earliest date on which it would be reasonably practicable for a meeting of the Governing Body to be held.

(4) Where it appears to the Vice-chairman that-

(a)the circumstances mentioned in sub-paragraph (2) apply, and

(b)that the Chairman (whether by reason of a vacancy in his office or otherwise) would be unable to exercise the function in question before the detriment referred to in that sub-paragraph is suffered,

the reference in sub-paragraph (1) above to the Chairman shall have effect as if it were a reference to the Vice-chairman.

Reporting to Governing Body following the exercise of delegated functions

38.-(1) This paragraph applies where in accordance with the preceding provisions of this Instrument or the provisions of the articles of government for the School any function has been delegated to a member of the Governing Body or a committee established by them.

(2) Any member or committee to whom a function of the Governing Body has been delegated shall report to the Governing Body in respect of any action taken or decision made with respect to the exercise of that function at the meeting of the Governing Body immediately following the taking of the action or the making of the decision.

Constitution of appeal committees dealing with admissions and exclusions of pupils

39. An appeal committee established in accordance with the provisions of the articles of government for the School made in pursuance of paragraph 5(1) of Schedule 6 to the 1993 Act shall be constituted in accordance with Appendix 3 to this Instrument.

Constitution of appeal committees dealing with staff discipline matters

40.-(1) An appeal committee established in accordance with the provisions of the articles of government for the School made in pursuance of paragraphs 2(3) and 3(2)(c) of Schedule 6 to the 1993 Act shall be constituted in accordance with sub-paragraphs (2) to (5) below.

(2) An appeal committee constituted in accordance with this paragraph shall consist of an odd number (being not less than five) of eligible governors appointed by the Governing Body.

(3) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (2) above, "eligible governor" means a member of the Governing Body other than the head teacher or a member of the Staff Committee.

(4) The members of an appeal committee constituted in accordance with this paragraph shall appoint a person from among their number to be chairman of the committee.

(5) The members of the appeal committee shall select a person, who is not from among their number, to act as the clerk to the committee; and the Governing Body shall appoint the person so selected so to act.

APPENDIX 1RESTRICTION ON PERSONS TAKING PART IN PROCEEDINGS OF THE GOVERNING BODY

1.-(1) In this Appendix-

(a)any reference to a person present at a meeting of the Governing Body is a reference to a member thereof or other person so present except that, so far as it concerns voting, it is a reference only to a member of the Governing Body so present;and

(b)any reference to a person's spouse includes a person living with him as if she was his spouse.

(2) In relation to the person who is acting as the clerk to the Governing Body for the purposes of any meeting thereof, none of the provisions of this Appendix (other than paragraph 5 below) shall have effect; but, during any period for which his withdrawal would be required but for this sub-paragraph, he shall not act in any capacity other than that of clerk.

2.-(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (4) below, if a person has any pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in any contract, proposed contract or other matter and is present at a meeting of the Governing Body at which the contract or other matter is the subject of consideration, he shall at the meeting and as soon as practicable after its commencement disclose that fact and-

(a)take no part in the consideration or discussion of the contract or matter,

(b)unless the Governing Body otherwise allow, withdraw from the meeting during such consideration or discussion, and

(c)not vote on any question with respect to the contract or matter.

(2) For the purposes of this paragraph, a person shall be treated as having an indirect pecuniary interest in a contract, proposed contract or other matter if-

(a)he or any nominee of his is a member, or he is an employee, of a corporation or other body with which the contract was made or is proposed to be made or which has a direct pecuniary interest in the matter under consideration, or

(b)he is a partner, or is in the employment, of a person with whom the contract was made or is proposed to be made or who has a direct pecuniary interest in the matter under consideration.

Provided that a person shall not by virtue of this sub-paragraph be treated as having such an interest by reason only of his membership of, or employment by, any public body; or by reason of his membership of a corporation or other body if he has no financial interest in any securities of that corporation or other body.

(3) For the purposes of this paragraph, a person shall be treated as having a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in a contract, proposed contract or other matter if a relative (including his spouse) living with him, to his knowledge has, or would be treated as having, such an interest, direct or indirect.

(4) For the purposes of this paragraph, a member of the Governing Body who is a teacher at the School shall not be treated as having a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in a contract, proposed contract or other matter by reason only-

(a)of having an interest in the contract or matter which is no greater than the interest of the generality of teachers at the School,

(b)of the fact that the contract or matter under consideration or discussion concerns the exercise by the Governing Body of any of their functions relating to the curriculum for the School, or

(c)of the fact that the contract or matter under consideration or discussion involves expenditure by the Governing Body of any sum for the purposes of the School.

(5) In this paragraph, "securities" shall be interpreted in accordance with section 142 of the Financial Services Act 1986(11).

3.-(1) This sub-paragraph applies where a person is present at a meeting of the Governing Body at which the subject of consideration is, in relation to either himself or to a relative of his (including his spouse) living with him-

(a)the person's appointment to a post at the School, or

(b)where the person concerned is already employed by the Governing Body to work at the School, his transfer from one post to another, his promotion or retirement.

(2) This sub-paragraph applies where-

(a)a person is present at a meeting of the Governing Body at which a subject of consideration is the transfer from one post to another, dismissal, promotion, retirement or suspension of another person employed as a teacher or otherwise at the School, and

(b)the effect of the transfer, dismissal, promotion, retirement or suspension would be to create a vacancy for which the person first mentioned in paragraph (a) above, or a relative of his (including his spouse) living with him, could be a candidate.

(3) In any case where sub-paragraph (1) or (2) above applies, the person first mentioned in that sub-paragraph shall-

(a)take no part in the consideration or discussion of the matter in question,

(b)unless the Governing Body otherwise allow, withdraw from the meeting during such consideration or discussion, and

(c)not vote on any question with respect to that matter.

4. If a person being a pupil or his parent, is present at a meeting of the Governing Body at which the admission of that pupil is a subject of consideration, he shall withdraw from the meeting during the discussion or consideration of the matter and shall not vote on any question with respect thereto.

5.-(1) Where the Clerk to the Governing Body is present at any meeting of the Governing Body at which a subject of consideration is disciplinary action against him,he shall withdraw from the meeting during the discussion or consideration of that matter.

(2) For the purposes of this paragraph and paragraph 6 below, "disciplinary action" shall be interpreted in accordance with paragraph 35(6) above.

6. If a person who is a relative (other than a parent) of a pupil at the School is present at a meeting of the Governing Body at which a subject of discussion is-

(a)the admission of, or disciplinary action against, that pupil, or

(b)disciplinary action against another pupil at the School arising out of an alleged incident involving the pupil first mentioned in this paragraph,

he shall, at the meeting and as soon as practicable after its commencement, disclose the relationship.

7.-(1) This paragraph applies where a person employed at the School is present at a meeting of the Governing Body at which his conduct, his continued employment at the School or the appointment of a successor to him is a subject of consideration.

(2) Without prejudice to the preceding provisions of this Appendix, where this paragraph applies the person concerned shall-

(a)take no part in the consideration or discussion of the matter in question, and

(b)withdraw from the meeting during such consideration or discussion.

APPENDIX 2PROCEEDINGS AND MEETINGS OF COMMITTEES

The provisions of this Instrument listed in the first column of the table below shall apply to committees of the Governing Body with the modifications set out in the second column of that table.

APPENDIX 3CONSTITUTION OF APPEAL COMMITTEES

1. An appeal pursuant to arrangements made by the Governing Body in accordance with the provisions of the articles of government for the School made in pursuance of paragraph 5 of Schedule 6 to the 1993 Act shall be to an appeal committee constituted in accordance with this Appendix.

2. An appeal committee shall consist of-

(a)one person nominated by the Governing Body from among persons who are eligible to be lay members, and

(b)two, four or six other members nominated by the Governing Body from persons appointed by them in accordance with paragraph 7(1) below.

3. The Governing Body shall not nominate under paragraph 2(a) above a person who falls within paragraph 7(1)(b) below.

4. In an appeal committee-

(a)three members shall be nominated from among those appointed under paragraph 7(1)(b) below, in the case of a committee consisting of seven members;

(b)two members shall be so nominated, in the case of a committee consisting of five members; and

(c)one member shall be so nominated, in the case of a committee consisting of three members.

5. Sufficient persons may be appointed by the Governing Body to enable two or more committees to sit at the same time.

6. A person is eligible to be a lay member for the purposes of paragraph 2(a) above if-

(a)he is a person without personal experience in the management of any school or the provision of education in any school (otherwise than as a governor or in any other voluntary capacity), and

(b)he does not have, or has not at any time had, any connection with-

(i)the School, or

(ii)any person who is a member of, or employed by, the Governing Body,

of a kind which might reasonably be taken to raise doubts about his ability to act impartially in relation to the School.

7.-(1) Subject to sub-paragraphs (2) and (3) below, the persons appointed-

(a)may include one or more members of the Governing Body, and

(b)where the appeal relates to a special school shall include persons who-

(i)have experience in the provision of education for children with special educational needs;

(ii)are parents of one or more children of compulsory school age with special educational needs; or

(iii)are acquainted with the conditions in the area relating to the provisions of education for children with special educational needs; or

(c)where sub-paragraph (b) above does not apply, shall include persons who have experience in education, are acquainted with the educational conditions in the area or are parents of registered pupils at the School.

(2) A person shall not be appointed in pursuance of sub-paragraph (1) above, if he is employed as a teacher or otherwise at the School.

(3) A person shall not be appointed in pursuance of sub-paragraph (1)(b) above, if he-

(a)has ever been a member of the Governing Body, or

(b)is a parent of a registered pupil at the School.

8. A person shall not be a member of an appeal committee for the consideration of any appeal against a decision if he was among those who made the decision or took part in discussions as to whether the decision should be made.

9.-(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, the members of an appeal committee shall appoint a person from among their number to be chairman of the committee.

(2) None of the members of the Governing Body may be chairman of an appeal committee.

10. The members of the appeal committee shall select a person, who is not from among their number, to act as the clerk to the committee; and the Governing Body shall appoint any person who has been so selected so to act.

11. The Governing Body shall have power to pay to the members of an appeal committee such travelling, subsistence or other allowances as they may determine.

12. An appeal pursuant to joint arrangements made by virtue of paragraph 5(2) of Schedule 6 to the 1993 Act by the Governing Body and the governing body of one or more other grant-maintained schools shall be to an appeal committee constituted as provided in the preceding paragraphs of this Appendix, save that references to the Governing Body shall have effect as if they were references to the Governing Body and the governing body of every other school, which is a party to the arrangements, acting jointly.

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations prescribe the initial instrument of government for the governing body of a group. The Regulations also provide that the initial articles of government for a school in the group are to be the same as they would be if the school were not in a group.