The Clerking Service was originally developed in 2002 as a result of requests from governing bodies based on work undertaken by the School Governor Service in some schools. Approximately fifty percent of Bradford schools currently subscribe to the service.
Subscribing schools are assigned an individual clerk for up to six governing body meetings per year, with the possibility of extra support, by negotiation, for committee meetings.
The Clerking Service also offers clerks with specialised legal and HR knowledge for additional meetings such as discipline and grievance hearings and admissions or exclusion appeals. This service can be purchased on an add hoc pay-as-you-go basis.
An effective clerk provides increased opportunities for good governance, leading to an improved school. Our Clerking Service is quality assured and follows best current practice.
The clerk, supported by School Governor Service, will
- significantly reduce the administrative burdens on schools and their administration,
- support head teachers and chairs to extend and develop the role of their governing body,
- enable governing bodies to carry out their statutory responsibilities in line with legal requirements,
- keep the governing body up-to-date with new initiatives and policies, and
- support individual governors with information and advice.
Our clerks have all taken part in the National Training Programme for Clerks to Governing Bodies. They receive regular updates through Briefing Notes, as well as attending the termly Clerks’ Briefing Sessions.
The School Governor Service holds regular performance management meetings with each clerk to discuss their work and how it is being managed. Through their direct contact with the School Governor Service, our clerks are constantly being updated on developments being implemented by Bradford Council and the DfE.
Please note that all of our training courses and briefing sessions are available to all clerks working within the Bradford Authority, including those not directly employed by the School Governor Service.
For further information and details of the services offered please contact School Governance & Workforce Development team on 01274 385629 or email school.governor@bradford.gov.uk
