Parent Governor

The role of the Governor is a non-executive one, and Governors are required to be as flexible as possible in the performance of their responsibilities and duties, ensuring that their oversight of the School does not interfere with the day-to-day management, which is the responsibility of the Senior Leadership Group.

The primary responsibilities of Governors are to:

play an active role in the high level strategic planning process of the School by contributing to:

o Ensuring clarity of Vision, ethos and strategic direction;

o Holding Senior Leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the performance management of staff; and

o Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent.

comply with the Articles of Association, Financial Handbook, Governors’ Code of Conduct and any other related governance policies and procedures;
contribute to the business of the Governing Body in an effective, efficient, open and transparent manner;
attend Governing Body meetings, governor training and induction events as required;
get to know the school through discussions with the Senior Leadership Group, Chair of Trust/Governing Body and staff, reading relevant papers, visiting the school and participating in events;
help new Governors understand their role;
act in the best interests of the school at all times.

Governors have a collective responsibility for the above but no Governor has the authority to speak or act on the Governing Body’s behalf unless specifically delegated to do so.

Governors must be free at all times to speak and act in what they believe to be the best interest of the school. They cannot be mandated by any group to express its views.

Person Specification

Key Skills
Commitment to education	Able to demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and the role Thornhill Primary school play in improving the nation’s skill base. Able to visit the school when staff and pupils are there to have thorough understanding of the school and it’s context.
Interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team	Able to work positively with others and debate whilst maintaining a constructive atmosphere.
Communication skills and the ability to influence	Able to express ideas/plans in a clear manner and to listen actively to other views. Able to communicate effectively with Senior Leaders and Parents.
Planning and Organisational skills	Able to quickly establish an effective course of action for self and others to achieve goals that can be monitored by realistic performance targets. To be visionary for the future plans of the school.
Determination and Drive	Able to create the required energy/enthusiasm and commitment necessary to be effective. To have the tenacity to overcome obstacles.
Strategic Perspective	Able to develop a broad-based view of issues and events and to perceive their long-term impact. Able to take on an area of responsibility relating to an Ofsted criteria.
Intellectual and technical ability	Able to absorb sometimes complex information and to rationalise appropriately. Able to think laterally and arrive at a pragmatic solution.
Leadership	Able to demonstrate behaviour and skills that motivate others to achieve - to inspire confidence in others to achieve. To respect the views of others.
Experience	• Expertise in a field which is of relevance to the oversight of the affairs of the school. (Some vacancies may require specific qualifications or a particular skill or experience.) • Ability to demonstrate a full understanding and appreciation of the principles of governance, including collective responsibility, discharge of fiduciary duties and the seven principles of public life*.
Circumstances	Available to attend scheduled meetings of the Governing Body and its Committees.
Equal Opportunities/Investors in People	Commitment to equal opportunities and to the Investors in People standard.

Seven Principles of Public Life

Public concern about the financial probity of members of Parliament and other holders of public office led to the establishment in 1994 of the Committee on Standards in Public Life (chaired by Lord Nolan and later Lord Neil). The Committee drew up seven principles of public life as a yardstick against which public service may be measured. These are:

Selflessness	Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the interest of the public. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their families or their friends.
Integrity	Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.
Objectivity	In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, and recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit alone.
Accountability	Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
Openness	Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands this.
Honesty	Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interest relating to their public office duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
Leadership	Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

Location

Thornhill Primary School
Clough Bank
Rotherham
Yorkshire and the Humber
S61 1TD

Supporting documents

The next step

If you wish to express an interest in becoming a Governor within our School you should send the expression form to:

Mrs Elizabeth Payne

Clerk to Governors

Thornhill Primary School

Clough Bank

Rotherham

S61 1TD

E-mail: Thornhilloffice@thps.org.uk

If you wish further information or clarification, please contact the Clerk to Thornhill Primary School Board on 01709 335999.

If you are interested in becoming a Parent Governor, please complete the attached expression of interest form, which should then be returned to the Thornhill Primary School addressed to the Clerk to Governors by 12 noon on Monday 29^th September 2025.