ABSTRACT
It is usually considered something of an honour to be invited to join the governing body of a school, particularly if it is a highly successful and prestigious one. The way in which governors' meetings are conducted is a highly significant indicator of governors' real contribution to the life of their schools. This chapter looks at three different types of governing body and describes the ways in which they conduct their business. The types are: the 'hands off governors' meeting, the 'hands up' governors' meeting, and the 'hands on' governors' meeting. When the meeting starts the Chair's opening remarks are likely to include congratulations to the head teacher and the bursar on yet another successful term since the last meeting. 'Hands on' governing bodies are very active and need their members to attend many more meetings. The minutes of all sub-committee meetings have been circulated with the agenda.
