Bridgend Governors Association Survey

Bridgend Governors Association

Part 1 Do we need an Association?

Almost everyone who completed a form thought that having an Association was a good thing. Only 4 disagreed, although there is evidence that some governors expressed the view that we don’t need an Association by not filling in the form at all.
Similarly almost every respondent thought that Governors need an independent voice and would support an Association.
Significantly more than half would be prepared to be an active member of the Association, and even more encouraging 26 people strongly agree, which suggests that they are potential representative members waiting to be asked.

A quarter of respondents did not know the Association existed, and half of those have been governors for more than two years.
Only 40% know how to access information about the Associations activities although slightly more, 50% know how to get in touch.
Nearly half the Governors had no idea what the Association is for and what it could do for them; and of those, three quarters have been Governors for more than 2 years
But three quarters of all respondents thought they might contact the Association if they had an issue concerning their role as a Governor. (Now they know it’s there)

Most people thought that Governors should automatically be members of the Association (80%) although clearly some believe it is not appropriate.
There were equal votes for the management committee members to be either nominated or democratically elected, but there was also significant support for allowing any Governor who wishes to make an active contribution to be a member of the committee
Overall, respondents came out strongly in favour of representatives from each of every type of school being on the committee.
Other suggestions/comments on how the management committee should be made up (question 3.4) were: -

Co-options as needed to access special skills
Dependant on the functions and remit of the Association
Too large a group may be ineffective
But to try to gain one member from each cluster at least
Ideally each school should have a representative but this might be too unwieldy – I have therefore chosen a rep from each cluster, rather than each primary school
One representative from each secondary cluster group – if one exists
Primary cluster and secondary school should present 1 or 2 members
Does it need to exist?
Nominated governors with specialist knowledge in their field or long-term service thus able to advise others

There was considerable support (more than 85%) for all nine suggestions for what the Association should do. These included: -

The Association should reflect the views of its membership and endeavour to make those views known (99%)
Have a Governors surgery – governors invited to have a face-to-face discussion concerning their role with experienced governors of the Association (85%)
The Association meetings should be held at a different school venue each time and governors from that school/cluster should be invited to attend (90%)
Termly Governor meetings should have an agenda item inviting feedback/presentation of issues for the Association to consider (92%)
The Association should identify Governors training needs.(91%)
The Association should organise Annual Conferences to bring Governors together, to inform and debate current issues (90%)
The Association should participate in the formal consultation network of the Local Authority e.g. school reorganisation (88%)
The Association should participate in Council sub committees or working groups considering policy development (84%)
The Association should participate in National Consultations through Governors Wales (95%)

A quarter of those returning forms felt that LEA support staff should do the work of the Association.
Other suggestions for links with other groups (question 4.10) were: -

Health, Safety, school; amalgamations
Heads of year
PTA and Parents
Nursery
The Association should be independent and governing bodies encouraged to attend
Should be independent
School management team members, school non teaching personnel
LEA
Voluntary sector organisations,
Local health board
I don’t feel sufficiently informed to comment as yet
Non each governing body should concentrate on their own schools
LEA Finance staff, Police, School support staff
Government bodies and advice agencies
All teachers
Voluntary bodies e.g. churches
All governors
Teaches, teachers aides, learning support staff, teacher union reps, parents, members of local community business etc

Question 5.1 Please feel free to make any other suggestion or comment you think might improve the Association

I don’t feel really strongly about any of this
Raise profile with website
Encourage parent involvement with learning
Better communication is required between BGA and individual school governing bodies
Not sure we need one (an Association)
Regular meetings with senior LEA/Council officials and members
Giving stronger support to class teachers
Association needs to advertise more
I would like to be part of this
Time demands are already high on this voluntary group
Continual and healthy communications to be maintained and sustained at all times between teaching staff and parents

Question 5.2 Are there any issues of concern that you would like the Association to consider?

Recognition re voluntary aided schools
Why have I been a Governor for over a year and never heard of the Association
Feedback is essential to inform members of issues discussed/ongoing
Layout of this questionnaire – no option of “ don’t know “
Overburdened by committee/meetings
Teachers don’t seem to be kept up to date or even asked for their opinions or views