Our Governance

Introduction

The purpose of the Alice Smith Schools Association (ASSA) is to provide an outstanding British education for a successful future. Its vision is to lead the pursuit of excellence in learning through nurturing, inspiring and enriching the lives and characters of young people.

ASSA is managed by a Council of Governors consisting of up to eighteen governors. The Chair of the Parents-Teachers Association and the seven trustee members shall by virtue of their respective appointments become governors. Up to ten governors are elected from the parent and associate members. All these governors serve the ASSA on a voluntary basis.

The Alice Smith School Foundation

On 11 October 2018 the Council of Governors:

• approved the establishment of The Alice Smith School Foundation (the Foundation) for the purposes set out in the Constitution of The Alice Smith School Foundation; and
• delegated power to manage the affairs of the Foundation to the Foundation Board on the terms specified in the Constitution of The Alice Smith School Foundation.

The role of the Foundation Board is to provide strategic direction and leadership to, and to oversee the governance of, the management of the Foundation for the purposes set out in the Constitution of The Alice Smith School Foundation.

The Council invites interested and experienced individuals who are able to contribute their skill and expertise to become members of the Foundation Board. It is important that all members of the Foundation Board understand their roles, responsibilities, expected standards of conduct and best practice.

The following is not a definitive statement but is concerned with the common understanding of broad principles and procedures by which individual members of the Foundation Board will conduct themselves. It should be read together with the Constitution of The Alice Smith School Foundation.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. I accept that I have no legal authority to act individually on behalf of the Foundation, regardless of my position on the Foundation Board.
2. I accept that I have no authority to instruct any staff of the school to disclose information, make arrangements for or take any course of action unless such authority has been expressly granted by the Foundation Board.
3. I accept collective responsibility for all decisions made by the Foundation Board, whether or not I personally agree with these decisions; this does not preclude (and should encourage) healthy discussion on matters within meetings of the Foundation Board, but once a decision has been reached, we are all bound by that decision and speak with one voice.
4. I have a duty of care to act in the long term best interests of ASSA and the Foundation and to act fairly and without prejudice.
5. I will engage in open governance and decision-making will be as transparent as possible.
6. I will always be mindful of my responsibility to maintain and develop the ethos and reputation of ASSA.
7. In making or responding to criticism or complaints affecting the school or the Foundation I will follow relevant school policies and procedures.

Commitment

1. I acknowledge that accepting a position as a member of the Foundation Board involves the commitment of some amounts of time and energy.
2. I will fully prepare for and contribute to meetings of the Foundation Board.
3. I will attend over 80% of all meetings of the Foundation Board and where I cannot attend, explain in advance my absence to the chair of the Foundation Board as a matter of courtesy.
4. I will contribute actively to the work of the Foundation Board.

Relationships

 

1. I will work as part of a team with mutual respect expressing views openly, truthfully, courteously and respectfully.
2. I will support the chair of the Foundation Board in his/her role of ensuring appropriate conduct at meetings and otherwise.
3. I will develop effective working relationships with the Head of School and relevant members of the school's management team.

Confidentiality and Communication

 

1. As a professional courtesy, if communicating with school staff in my capacity as a member of the Foundation Board, I will 'cc' the chair of the Foundation Board and the Head of School.
2. All information shared with me electronically or otherwise will be kept strictly confidential and only be used in performing my duties in supporting the school and the Foundation. I will not use information obtained as a member of the Foundation Board for my own benefit or that of any other organisation if it has been obtained in confidence or has special value such as commercial sensitivity.
3. I will observe confidentiality regarding proceedings of all meetings of the Foundation Board.
4. I will exercise the greatest prudence at all times when discussions regarding school business and the Foundation arise outside of Foundation Board meetings.

Conflicts of Interest

1. I will not receive any financial or non-financial benefit by virtue of my role on the Foundation Board.
2. I will avoid any potential conflict of interest at the start of any meeting by declaring this interest, should the situation arise.
3. If I have any pecuniary or other business interest (including those related to people I am connected with) in connection with the Foundation Board's business, and if any such conflicted matter arises in a meeting, I will offer to leave the meeting whilst that matter is discussed.
4. I will not use my position for personal gain or that of my child/ren or of another person or association.
5. I will act in the best interests of the school as a whole and the Foundation and not as a representative of any group or company.

Anti-Bribery and Corruption

1. I am aware and understand that the School adopts a zero-tolerance approach to acts of bribery and corruption.
2. I have read and understood the School's Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy ("ABAC Policy") and I am aware that the scope of the ABAC Policy applies to me, as a member of the Foundation Board.
3. I will endeavour to act in accordance with the ABAC Policy and will conduct myself with high standards of integrity.

Whistleblowing

 

1. I am aware that the School has a Whistleblowing Policy and that there are procedures in place for disclosing any illegal, unethical, questionable practices or improper conduct committed or about to be committed within the School.
2. I understand that concerns can be raised in writing by email to the Chair of the Council of Governors or the Chair of the Finance Subcommittee.
3. I am also aware that disclosures shall be treated in strict confidence and without any risk of reprisal.