ABSTRACT
In this chapter we look at some of the responsibilities which governors carry nowadays. No one governor, even the chair, is expected to be an expert on all of them. Governing bodies usually set up a system of sub-committees, each of which has a particular responsibility such as curriculum or staffing or buildings and premises. There are many other possibilities, and governors usually choose to sit on the sub-committee which interests them most. Some governors like to sit on a different sub-committee every year so that in time they get a broad overview. Although governing bodies rely very heavily on the wisdom of their sub-committees, because they have studied matters of concern to them very closely, they are not obliged always to take their advice. It is only the full governing body which makes decisions about the school, not its subcommittees or individuals, so you are not empowered to storm into a classroom and fire Mr Scroggins.
