Governance & Scheme of Delegation (Academies)
Within England, there are over 300,000 school/academy governors. Together they form the largest volunteer force in the country. Ofsted has often noted that the most effective schools demonstrate effective leadership and management, including by the governing body.
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The role of governor
Governors work collectively to perform a strategic role and carry out key functions such as:
- Discussing and setting the aims and objectives for the academy
- Setting the required policies for achieving those aims and objectives
- Setting the required targets for achieving those aims and objectives
- Monitoring and evaluating the progress that the academy is making towards its set aims and objectives.
They also carry out a number of other important duties, which include:
- Determining how the school's budget is spent
- Forming policy on the school's curriculum and collective worship
- Setting standards for pupils' behaviour and discipline
- Making sure school buildings are welcoming and safe
Finally the role of the governor is to be a source of challenge and support to the Principal. In other words, to be a 'critical friend'.
The Governing body of Harris Academy Rainham
Harris Academy Rainham is a member of the Harris Federation. Ultimate responsibility for the academy rests with the Board of Trustees of the Harris Federation (see the Federation's governance and scheme of delegation). However, much of the work of the Board is delegated to the Local Governing Body, comprised of the governors of the Harris Academy Rainham. Some governors are appointed by the Federation whilst others are elected by parents or guardians of students at the academy, or by staff. The details of the governors at Harris Academy Rainham are shown below.
| The Chair of the Academy Governing Body at Harris Academy Rainham is Ms Tina Staples who can be contacted via the Academy's address - Harris Academy Rainham, Lambs Lane South, Rainham, Essex RM13 9XD. The Clerk to the Governors is Mrs Jane Thompson who can be contacted on 01708 552811 or emailed at j.thompson@harrisrainham.org.uk
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| Name | Date of Appointment | Term of Office | Appointed as | Business and Pecuniary Interests | Meetings attended 2023 - 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ms T Staples | 01/12/2017 Second Term | 4 Years | Chair of Governors, Equality & Diversity, English & MFL | Lord Harris Governor Harris Garrard | FGB 4/4
|
| Mrs Nicola Graham | 09/12/2016 Third Term | N/A | Assistant Director Safeguarding | None | FGB 2/4 |
| Mr Gareth Stananought | 01/09/2016 Third Term | N/A | Principal | None | FGB 4/4 |
| Sir Daniel Moynihan | 01/09/2016 Third Term | 4 Years | CEO of Harris Federation | Harris Federation | Visits discharged through Federation monitoring |
| Ms Rebecca Hickey | 01/04/2022 | 4 Years | Secondary Director | Trustee Farmington Trust January 2022 | Visits discharged through Federation monitoring |
| Ms Judy Willett | 01/02/2018 Second Term | 4 Years | Sponsor Governor, Medical Needs History & Geography | None | FGB 4/4 |
| Mr Emmanuel Segun-Omorayewa | 2/11/2020 Second Term | 4 Years | Sponsor Governor, Science & Business Studies | Head of Finance Glory House Charity | FGB 3/4 |
| Mr Alexander Dickens | 03/03/2023 | 4 Years | Sponsor Governor SEND & Maths | FGB 3/4 | |
| Mr Peter Hammes | 09/10/2023 Stepped down 20/02/2024 | 4 Years | Parent Governor | 1/1 | |
| Ms Maureen Harris | 09/10/2023 Stepped down 25/07/2024 | 4 Years | Parent Governor | 2/3 | |
| Ms Sophie Clark | 13/11/2023 | 4 Years | Staff Governor | 2/3 | |
| Mr Javier Sibaja | 13/11/2023 Stepped down 31/08/2024 | 4 Years | Staff Governor | 2/3 | |
| Ms Stevie Lydon | 14/06/2024 | 4 Years | Sponsor Governor | 1/1 |
Becoming a governor
School governors are people who want to make a positive contribution to children's education. The role of the school governor is demanding but very rewarding and is a good way to give back to your local community.
You don't have to have children at the school to be a governor. However, you do have to be over 18 and pass a formal check for your suitability to be within a school. No specific qualifications are required but there are certain expectations. What's really important is that you have energy, enthusiasm, time and a real desire to help provide children with the best possible education.
Governors come from all sections of the community and all walks of life. They can be parents, staff at the school, residents in the locality or representatives of local churches or businesses. It is important that you can work as part of a team and can give commitment to the school.
If you are interested in being a governor, please contact the school on j.thompson@harrisrainham.org.uk or telephone 01708 552811 for an informal chat or further information.
