Code of Conduct

The Governing Body has adopted the following principles and procedures:

General

• We have responsibility for determining, monitoring and keeping under review the broad policies, plans and procedures within which the school operates.
• We recognise that the headteacher is responsible for the implementation of policy, day-to-day management of the school and the implementation of the curriculum.
• We accept that all governors have equal status, and although appointed by different groups (i.e. churches, parents, staff and LA) our overriding concern will be the welfare of the school as a whole.
• We have no legal authority to act individually, except when the governing body has given us delegated authority to do so.
• We have a duty to act fairly and without prejudice, and in so far as we have responsibility for staff, we will fulfil all that is expected of a good employer.
• We will encourage open government and shall be seen to be doing so.
• We will consider carefully how our decisions may affect other schools.

Commitment

• We acknowledge that accepting office as a governor involves the commitment of significant amounts of time and energy.
• We will each involve ourselves actively in the work of the governing body, attend regularly, and accept our fair share of responsibilities, including service on committees or working groups.
• We will get to know the school well and respond to opportunities to involve ourselves in school activities.
• We will consider seriously our individual and collective needs for training and development.

Relationships

• We will strive to work as a team.
• We will seek to develop effective working relationships with the head, staff and parents, the LA and other relevant agencies and the community.

Confidentiality

• We will observe complete confidentiality when required or asked to do so by the governing body, especially regarding matters concerning individual staff or students.
• We will exercise the greatest prudence if a discussion of a potentially contentious issue affecting the school arises outside the governing body.

Conduct

• We will encourage the open expression of views at meetings, but accept collective responsibility for all decisions made by the governing body or its delegated agents. This means that we will not speak out against majority decisions in public or private outside the governing body.
• We will only speak or act on behalf of the governing body when we have been specifically authorised to do so.
• In making or responding to criticism or complaints affecting the school we will follow the procedures established by the governing body.
• Our visits to school will be undertaken within the framework established by the governing body and agreed with the headteacher.
• In discharging our duties we will always be mindful of our responsibility to maintain and develop the ethos and reputation of our school.

Review

• This code is to be reviewed annually.

         Admissions Committee

Proposed Terms of Reference – 2023 - 2024

Membership and Procedure

• The Bath and Wells Diocesan Academy Trust is the Admissions Authority for the school.  All admin and decision making is delegated to an Admissions Committee.
• At least four members of the Governing Body, of which 3 must be available for decision making.  The Head Teacher is entitled to attend ex-officio, if s/he wishes.
• The committee is to include at least two Foundation Governors.
• A Quorum to be three Governors who are members of the Committee. Governors to submit apologies in advance of meetings and to aim to attend all meetings whenever possible.
• The committee will appoint a Chair and Vice-Chair at the beginning of each academic year.

• The chairperson of the committee shall ensure that the terms and responsibilities are complied with and shall report to the Local Governing Body.

• If not clerked by the Clerk to the Governors, to appoint a Secretary from its own members to take minutes.
• To give at least seven days’ notice of meetings and to circulate the Agenda at least seven days’ before the meeting to all Governors and Associates who are members of the Committee.
• To circulate minutes within one week of the meeting and to include in the circulation: the Chair and vice-Chair of the committee, the Clerk of the Governors and Headteacher, if they are not members of the Sub-Committee.  Once approved, to post in our Governor Sharepoint within two weeks.
• To ensure that all decisions are made and carried out in accordance with the policies of the School, the Bath and Wells Multi-Academy Trust, the Diocese and the Methodist Church, seeking appropriate advice where necessary.
• To encourage committee members to undertake appropriate training.

Responsibilities – Admissions

• To make recommendations and take decisions regarding the admission arrangements for the school.
• To review the Admissions policies for the school working in consultation with:

• The Bath and Wells Multi-Academy Trust
• The North Somerset School Admissions Team
• The Diocese of Bath and Wells Education Department
• The Methodist Church Education Department
• All Admissions Authorities in North Somerset including local primary schools within the relevant area
• The development of Admission Arrangement will be supported by Admission Consultant for expertise (Go Admissions)

• To ensure that all Admission authorities in North Somerset and wider area as necessary are consulted.
• To be responsible, in collaboration with the Headteacher and the Local Governing Body, for any other admission issues as they arise.
• To formulate, approve and review all policies for which the committee has a delegated responsibility and report this to the Local Governing Body.
• To have delegated responsibility for making minor amendments to the Admissions Policy.
• To be aware of any MAT central policies and Trinity specific policies that are relevant to the committee.

2023-24 Ethos and Learning Committee

Proposed Terms of Reference

Membership and Procedure

• The Committee shall consist of at least four members of the Governing Body.  The Head Teacher is entitled to attend ex-officio, if s/he wishes.

Note: Associate members may also be members of Committees, their voting rights to be determined by the full Governing Body in each case.

• To include at least two Foundation Governors.
• A Quorum to be three Governors who are members of the Committee. Governors to submit apologies in advance of meetings and to aim to attend all meetings whenever possible.
• The committee will appoint a Chair and Vice-Chair at the beginning of each academic year.

• The chairperson of the committee shall ensure that the terms and responsibilities are complied with and shall report to the Local Governing Body.

• If not clerked by the Clerk to the Governors, to appoint a Secretary from its own members to take Minutes.
• To give at least seven days’ notice of meetings and to circulate the Agenda at least seven days’ before the meeting to all Governors and Associates who are members of the Committee.
• To circulate minutes within one week of the meeting and to include in the circulation: the Chair and vice-Chair of the committee, the Clerk of the Governors and Headteacher, if they are not members of the Sub-Committee.  Once approved, to post in our Governor Sharepoint within two weeks.
• To ensure that all decisions are made and carried out in accordance with the policies of the School, the Bath and Wells Multi-Academy Trust, the Diocese and the Methodist Church, seeking appropriate advice where necessary.
• To encourage committee members to undertake appropriate training.

Responsibilities – Ethos and Learning

• To lead on reviewing and developing the vision of the school
• To seek to enhance the agreed values of the school in every decision and at every opportunity.
• To ensure the Christian distinctiveness of the school is protected and enhanced.
• To have high regard for the SIAMS (Statutory inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) work across the school and between schools.
• To enhance the work of the school and the Bath and Wells Multi-Academy Trust through a positive and proactive relationship.
• To work with the Headteacher and staff as they are appointed to create and resource an effective and stimulating learning environment.
• To appoint named governors for Safeguarding, ICT, Inclusion and Pupil Premium.
• To formulate, approve and review all policies for which the committee has a delegated responsibility and report this to the Local Governing Body.
• To be aware of any MAT central policies and Trinity specific policies that are relevant to the committee.
• To seek the advice of BW MAT, North Somerset Local Authority, Diocesan and Methodist Advisers where necessary regarding legal and statutory requirements.
• To take responsibility, in collaboration with the Headteacher, for any other curriculum issues as they arise.
• To ensure that all children have access to an appropriate curriculum, including statutory curriculum expectations.
• To challenge and support the Headteacher in achieving high standards and achievement.
• Ensure assessment and reporting regulations in accordance with DfE guidance are met.

2023-24 Staffing and Resources Committee

Proposed Terms of Reference

Membership and Procedure

• The Committee shall consist of at least four members of the Governing Body.  The Head Teacher is entitled to attend ex-officio, if s/he wishes.

Note: Associate members may also be members of Committees, their voting rights to be determined by the full Governing Body in each case.

• To include at least two Foundation Governors.
• A Quorum to be three Governors who are members of the Committee. Governors to submit apologies in advance of meetings and to aim to attend all meetings whenever possible.
• The committee will appoint a Chair and Vice-Chair at the beginning of each academic year.
• The chairperson of the committee shall ensure that the terms and responsibilities are complied with and shall report to the Local Governing Body.
• If not clerked by the Clerk to the Governors, to appoint a Secretary from its own members to take minutes.
• To give at least seven days’ notice of meetings and to circulate the Agenda at least seven days’ before the meeting to all Governors and Associates who are members of the Committee.
• To circulate minutes within one week of the meeting and to include in the circulation: the Chair and vice-Chair of the committee, the Clerk of the Governors and Headteacher, if they are not members of the Sub-Committee.  Once approved, to post in our Governor Sharepoint within two weeks.
• To ensure that all decisions are made and carried out in accordance with the policies of the School, the Bath and Wells Multi-Academy Trust, the Diocese and the Methodist Church, seeking appropriate advice where necessary.
• To encourage committee members to undertake appropriate training.

Responsibilities – overview

• To seek the advice of the Bath and Wells Multi-Academy Trust, North Somerset Local Authority, and Diocesan and Methodist Advisors where necessary regarding legal and statutory requirements.
• To access support on any matter from the above or other appropriate bodies.
• To formulate, review and approve all policies for which the committee has a delegated responsibility and report this to Full Governing Body.
• To be aware of any MAT central policies and Trinity specific policies that are relevant to the committee.

Responsibilities - Staffing

• To consider and review the staffing structure for the school for approval by the Bath and Wells Multi-Academy Trust and the Local Governing Body.
• To support the Bath and Wells Multi-Academy Trust in appointing the Headteacher.
• Working with the Headteacher in the recruitment of all teaching and non-teaching staff.
• To review and evaluate the staffing structure within the school.
• To act as pay committee to recommend any pay awards resulting from performance management of staff.  
• To have an overview of other staff and contractors the school is working with and the effectiveness of this work.
• To take responsibility in collaboration with the Headteacher, the Bath and Wells Multi-Academy Trust and the Local Governing Body, for any other personnel issues as they arise.

Responsibilities – Premises

• To draw up and monitor a programme for the maintenance and development of the building.
• To work with the Headteacher, Bursar and Caretaker on the maintenance and replacement of furniture and equipment.

• To appoint two named governors for health and safety.

• To be responsible for ensuring that appropriate health and safety policies and procedures are in place and a full annual health and safety audit.
• To follow up any recommendations of the H & S audit, Fire audit and other compliance reports.
• To monitor the facilities management regime for the ongoing operation of the school, including utilities costs and spending.

B:  Finance & Resources

• To make recommendations to the Local Governing Body and the Bath and Wells Multi-Academy Trust on all matters relating to the school budget.
• To draw up an annual budget to be approved by the Bath and Wells Multi-Academy Trust and the Local Governing Body.
• To monitor income and expenditure and report to the Local Governing Body.
• To work within the principles of best value for money.
• To oversee any interim budget that may arise.
• To draw up and review medium and long term financial policy for future operation at the school, in accordance with the School Development Plan.
• To monitor income and expenditure of the Community Hall and other lettings.