The role of the clerk

Your board’s ‘governance professional’

Your clerk is there to support your board to make sure it’s as effective as it can be.

Have a solid understanding of governance Your clerk will help your board remain compliant and understand its roles, functions and legal duties. This is so they can provide advice on governance legal and procedural matters. They’ll: Keep your board up to date with changes you need to be aware of, like updates to safeguarding guidance Know the key features of effective governance and the board’s governance structure and core functions Understand key national education policies and the local education context in which the board is operating Understand your board’s: Legal duties, such as requirements around data protection Internal procedures, such as safeguarding procedures Code of conduct Strategic priorities, culture, value and ethos Understand the board’s accountability to and relationship with other bodies (e.g. the Department for Education, ESFA and Ofsted) Know which information about pupil performance and financial